Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine tax violations in September and was convicted in a separate case on felony firearms-related charges. He could have faced decades in prison, though his upcoming sentencing was likely to be a much less severe punishment.

The White House has defended President Joe Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, after repeatedly insisting he had no plans for such executive clemency. The press secretary said Biden had pardoned his son,

The president’s spokesperson on Monday offered little explanation as to why the president changed his mind, but said he maintained faith in the justice system.