The White House has defended President Joe Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, after repeatedly insisting he had no plans for such executive clemency. The press secretary said Biden had pardoned his son, who was facing sentencing later this month in two federal cases, to shield him from persecution by the outgoing president's political foes.

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jeff Mason ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House said on Monday that President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter in part to protect him from future persecution from political opponents,

Jean-Pierre’s timeline contradicts recent reporting which suggests Biden began discussing the possibility of a pardon as early as June.