WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden offered personal support for his son after the Justice Department announced Tuesday that Hunter Biden would plead guilty to two counts of tax evasion and one firearm offense.
But Biden made it clear he won’t discuss the case publicly.
“The president and first lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life,” White House spokesman Ian Sams said in a statement. “We will have no further comment.”
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The White House has tried to distance itself throughout the multi-year investigation into the president’s youngest son. White House officials have repeatedly declined to comment and have stressed that the administration has not discussed the case with Attorney General Merrick Garland or the Justice Department.
But it’s doubtful that Biden will be able to stay silent about the case for long.
Former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have sought to turn Hunter Biden and the investigation into a political issue and already are ramping up their criticism in light of the plea agreement. That will increase pressure on Biden to discuss the matter during the upcoming presidential election.
Michael Collins and Maureen Groppe cover the White House. Follow Collins on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS and @mgroppe.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden: White House keeps distance amid plea deal on tax charges
