From steadfast denials to a surprising reversal, the White House's stance on a potential pardon for Hunter Biden has been a subject of intense scrutiny. This timeline tracks the administration's evolving statements, highlighting the stark contrast between initial assurances and the ultimate outcome.

President Biden's unexpected pardon of his son, Hunter, for tax and gun charges has raised questions about the administration's previous pronouncements on the matter. The president justified his decision by claiming Hunter's prosecution was "selective and unfair," citing the rarity of felony charges for similar gun form discrepancies and the typical non-criminal resolutions for individuals who repay overdue taxes. This justification stands in contrast to earlier statements from the White House.

President Biden previously asserted he would respect the outcomes of his son's trials. (Getty Images)

A Series of Denials

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre consistently dismissed the possibility of a pardon throughout Hunter Biden's legal challenges. Her responses ranged from terse "no" comments to more elaborate explanations emphasizing the President's love and support for his son while carefully avoiding specific legal commentary. Let's revisit these key moments:

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had previously stated Hunter Biden would not be pardoned. (Getty Images)

July 2023:

Facing questions about potential tax-related pardons, Jean-Pierre offered a simple and unequivocal "no."

September 2023:

Following Hunter Biden's indictment on federal charges, Jean-Pierre reiterated her previous denial, stating her position remained unchanged.

December 2023:

As Hunter Biden faced further criminal charges, Jean-Pierre again dismissed the possibility of a pardon, emphasizing the President's pride in his son's efforts to rebuild his life.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Jean-Pierre maintained there were no plans for a pardon. (Getty Images)

June 2024:

President Biden himself publicly stated he would not pardon his son and would accept the court's verdict. Jean-Pierre echoed this sentiment, claiming she had not discussed the matter with the President.

August 2024:

Even after Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, Jean-Pierre maintained the President's stance against pardoning his son.

Jean-Pierre's consistent denials continued even after the 2024 election. (Getty Images)

November 2024:

Following the 2024 election, Jean-Pierre reaffirmed the administration's position, stating their answer remained a definitive "no."

This series of denials makes the eventual pardon all the more surprising, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the decision.