Jill Biden may have influenced husband Joe to pardon their son in gun and tax fraud

US first lady Jill Biden might have influenced US President Joe Biden's decision to pardon their son Hunter Biden in guns and tax frau cases.

During a CNN broadcast on Monday, chief national affairs correspondent Jeff Zeleny stated, "Clearly there was pressure inside the family... We were told really in recent weeks that Jill Biden – first lady – was very supportive of the president doing something like this," he said.

Reports suggest that whilst the 82-year-old president was uncertain about the pardon, the 73-year-old fist lady's influence may have been crucial.

At the White House on Monday, Jill Biden confirmed to journalists, "Of course, I support the pardon of my son."

During her husband's administration, Jill has become known for strictly managing access to the president and protecting him from media interactions, leading some to suggest she conceals his apparent cognitive issues, New York Post reported.

Although reportedly instrumental in the pardon decision, Jill's relationship with her stepson has been strained.
Messages found on Hunter's controversial laptop reveal he called his stepmother an "entitled c–t" and a "vindictive moron."

The 54-year-old Hunter admitted guilt to nine tax-related charges involving $1.4 million in September, and was convicted of three federal firearms offences in June for possessing weapons whilst struggling with substance dependency.

Whilst Hunter was due for sentencing on December 12 for firearms charges and December 16 for tax offences, the presidential pardon means he will avoid court proceedings.

The president justified the pardon by stating his son faced "selective and unfair prosecution."