Newsom Parts Ways with Biden Regarding Son's Pardon: 'I took the president at his word'
The governor of California, a key ally of the president, expressed his disagreement with Biden’s decision.
TroibNews 
SACRAMENTO, California — California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly disagreed with President Joe Biden regarding the president’s unexpected decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. In an interview with PMG on Tuesday, Newsom expressed his disappointment about the pardon.
“With everything the president and his family have been through, I completely understand the instinct to protect Hunter,” Newsom stated. “But I took the president at his word. So by definition, I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision.”
He did not provide further details on his stance. Rather than addressing moral or ethical implications, or even the potential impact on executive power or the future of democracy, Newsom concentrated solely on the breach of trust he feels has occurred. Biden and his team had consistently claimed that he would not grant a pardon to Hunter before reversing that stance.
Newsom's remarks came soon after the White House announced the pardon on Sunday evening and positioned him as one of the most notable figures in his party to criticize the president's decision.
A White House spokesperson did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
This situation marks a significant moment for Newsom, a Democrat who has developed a close personal relationship with Biden in recent years and has been one of his staunchest defenders.
Just two weeks prior, Newsom held a private meeting with Biden during a lengthy White House visit, where he urged the administration to approve pending federal disaster relief funding and advocated for healthcare access initiatives and clean air programs.
Over the past two years, Newsom has vigorously defended Biden's performance, his reelection bid, and his overall capabilities in various public forums and discussions. Biden, for his part, has supported Newsom, notably headlining a significant rally in Southern California to assist the governor during the GOP-led recall attempt in 2021.
Historically, Newsom and Hunter Biden have communicated personally, including an email exchange in October 2014 after Hunter’s Navy Reserve discharge, where Newsom encouraged him with a message that included, "Like so many other things in life, this will pass and you will come out of the white water stronger — Gavin."
However, Newsom has been cautious in his public statements regarding Hunter Biden's legal issues. When asked last year during an interview with CNN's Dana Bash about the younger Biden's attempts to leverage his father’s name and the alleged involvement of the elder Biden in calls with Hunter’s business associates, Newsom remarked, “I don't know enough about the details of that. I mean I've seen a little of that.”
He added, “If that's the new criteria, there are a lot of folks in a lot of industries – not just in politics – where people have family members and relationships and they're trying to parlay and get a little influence and benefit in that respect. That's hardly unique.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged, "I don’t love that any more than you love it or other people I imagine love that. We want to see a lot less of that, but an impeachment inquiry? Give me a break.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
“With everything the president and his family have been through, I completely understand the instinct to protect Hunter,” Newsom stated. “But I took the president at his word. So by definition, I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision.”
He did not provide further details on his stance. Rather than addressing moral or ethical implications, or even the potential impact on executive power or the future of democracy, Newsom concentrated solely on the breach of trust he feels has occurred. Biden and his team had consistently claimed that he would not grant a pardon to Hunter before reversing that stance.
Newsom's remarks came soon after the White House announced the pardon on Sunday evening and positioned him as one of the most notable figures in his party to criticize the president's decision.
A White House spokesperson did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
This situation marks a significant moment for Newsom, a Democrat who has developed a close personal relationship with Biden in recent years and has been one of his staunchest defenders.
Just two weeks prior, Newsom held a private meeting with Biden during a lengthy White House visit, where he urged the administration to approve pending federal disaster relief funding and advocated for healthcare access initiatives and clean air programs.
Over the past two years, Newsom has vigorously defended Biden's performance, his reelection bid, and his overall capabilities in various public forums and discussions. Biden, for his part, has supported Newsom, notably headlining a significant rally in Southern California to assist the governor during the GOP-led recall attempt in 2021.
Historically, Newsom and Hunter Biden have communicated personally, including an email exchange in October 2014 after Hunter’s Navy Reserve discharge, where Newsom encouraged him with a message that included, "Like so many other things in life, this will pass and you will come out of the white water stronger — Gavin."
However, Newsom has been cautious in his public statements regarding Hunter Biden's legal issues. When asked last year during an interview with CNN's Dana Bash about the younger Biden's attempts to leverage his father’s name and the alleged involvement of the elder Biden in calls with Hunter’s business associates, Newsom remarked, “I don't know enough about the details of that. I mean I've seen a little of that.”
He added, “If that's the new criteria, there are a lot of folks in a lot of industries – not just in politics – where people have family members and relationships and they're trying to parlay and get a little influence and benefit in that respect. That's hardly unique.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged, "I don’t love that any more than you love it or other people I imagine love that. We want to see a lot less of that, but an impeachment inquiry? Give me a break.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
