Following President Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the media on Monday, fielding questions about the decision, which both she and the President had previously stated would not occur. Reporters questioned the veracity of these prior statements, prompting Jean-Pierre to emphasize the President's commitment to truthfulness and his careful deliberation over the pardon. She reiterated points from the President's Sunday night statement, including the assertion that Hunter Biden was unfairly targeted due to his family connection.
Jean-Pierre hinted at the possibility of additional pardons before the end of President Biden's term, stating that a process is in place and more announcements should be expected. She maintained that Hunter Biden was subjected to undue scrutiny solely because of his relationship to the President, and that the President felt compelled to act to protect his son.
While traveling aboard Air Force One to Luanda, Angola, for a three-day trip focused on a U.S.-backed railway project, Jean-Pierre continued to respond to inquiries from the press. This trip, aimed at countering Chinese influence in Africa, provided the backdrop for continued discussion of the controversial pardon. Jean-Pierre's previous denials of a potential pardon, dating back to July 2023 and continuing even after President-elect Trump's victory in the 2024 election, were brought into focus. 
