A five-day family gathering on Nantucket Island became the turning point in President Joe Biden's stance on pardoning his son Hunter.
According to the Daily Mail, President Biden reversed his long-standing position against pardoning Hunter after intense pressure from family members during Thanksgiving, particularly from First Lady Jill Biden and other close relatives.
The decision emerged following an intimate family retreat at a $36 million compound, where the president was surrounded by a small circle including Jill Biden, Hunter Biden, his wife Melissa, and daughter Ashley. The environment proved conducive for the family to influence the president's thinking on the matter of Hunter's legal troubles.
Jill Biden's role in advocating for Hunter proved instrumental in changing the president's mind. Sources close to the family described her as Hunter's "biggest defender," with her influence on the president being particularly significant as the last voice he often hears.
The First Lady demonstrated her commitment to Hunter's cause through various actions, including multiple trips across the Atlantic during his gun trial in June. Her support extended beyond mere presence as she balanced these courthouse appearances with official state duties in France.
The family's solidarity became evident when Ashley Biden posted a message on Instagram following the pardon announcement, expressing gratitude to her father and criticizing what she viewed as politically motivated actions against her brother.
The Thanksgiving retreat marked a departure from previous years' celebrations, with only six family members present instead of the usual dozen. This intimate setting allowed for more focused family discussions and influence on the president.
Hunter Biden maintained a notably low profile during the stay, appearing publicly only for family lunch, shopping on Friday, and attending church with his father on Saturday. This contrasted with his previous visits, where he would frequently be seen around town.
The presence of four-year-old Beau Biden, Hunter's son, added an emotional dimension to the family gathering. Both the president and first lady share a special bond with their grandson, who represents the future of the Biden family legacy.
The decision to pardon Hunter represented a dramatic reversal from President Biden's previous stance. Before the Thanksgiving break, he had consistently maintained that pardoning his son was not an option.
During this critical time, only two senior aides, Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, were present. Both are trusted Biden advisers with long-standing relationships with the family. Tomasini oversees the West Wing, while Bernal manages the East Wing. Both are known for relying on Jill Biden's insights when handling delicate situations.
On Monday, when questioned about her stance, the First Lady expressed her support plainly, stating she backed her son's pardon.
This transformation in the president's position on Hunter's pardon exemplifies the profound influence of family dynamics within the Biden administration. After announcing the decision, President Biden departed for Africa, leaving his press team to address questions about this significant policy reversal.
