White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday defended President Joe Biden's late night pardon of his son Hunter Biden, which broke promises he has consistently made since his son landed in legal trouble.

The president unexpectedly pardoned Hunter Biden on Sunday night for all federal crimes committed or possibly committed between 2014 and 2024. The blanket pardon means the first son cannot be prosecuted or sentenced for his tax charges, his federal gun charge, or any possible crime he committed while on the board of Burisma. 

Joe Biden and the White House have consistently stated that the president would not pardon Hunter Biden because no one was above the law. 

Jean-Pierre on Monday said that the reversal comes because the president did not believe Republicans would stop prosecuting Hunter Biden after the president leaves office next month, per The Hill.