LUANDA, Angola (AP) — During his first presidential visit to Angola, President Joe Bidenon dodged questions Tuesday about his decision to break his promise and pardon his son Hunter, dismissing pleas for him to explain his reversal.
During a meeting with Angolan President Jo o Louren at the presidential palace, Biden laughed and dismissed yelled questions, welcoming the Angolan team to the United States. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday that Biden was not expected to answer questions from the media while in Africa. Since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory last month, Biden has mostly shunned any contact with reporters.
After Biden consistently assured the public that he would not use his unique powers to benefit his family, his decision to grant his son a sweeping pardon for his activities over the previous 11 years has caused a political storm in Washington. Additionally, Biden asserted that the prosecution of his son was a miscarriage of justice overseen by his own Justice Department.
Many Democrats, who are trying to adjust their strategy toward Trump as he gets ready to assume the presidency in seven weeks, criticized the reversal because they believe the pardon and Biden’s assertions that his son was prosecuted for political reasons will make it harder for them to oppose the incoming president’s legal actions. Additionally, it posed a threat to Biden’s legacy as he gets ready to step down on January 20.
As his son was put on trial in a firearms case in Delaware in June, Biden told reporters, “I abide by the jury decision.” I won’t forgive him, but I will do that.
Jean-Pierre informed reporters in July that the answer was still no. The answer will be no. The answer is no. I also have nothing more to say. Will his son be forgiven? No.
Jean-Pierre restated that message in November, a few days after Trump’s win: “Our answer stands, which is no.”
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Miller and Long were in Washington.
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