Former President Donald Trump was apparently encouraged in January 2021 by Fox News host Sean Hannity to pardon Hunter Biden.
Courthouse News Reporter Rose Wagner posted a graphic of a text exchange between Hannity and Trump’s Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. The Twitter post showed the January 7, 2021, evening text exchange that included a reference to a discussed Hunter Biden pardon.
“Key now. No more crazy people,” Hannity texted McEnany, who replied, “Yes. 100 percent.”
Hannity had warned against continuing to talk about the “stolen election,” noting talks of impeachment and invocation of the 25th Amendment were real. He added many administration officials would bail if that happened, even though Trump only had two weeks left in office.
“He was intrigued by the Pardon idea!! (Hunter),” the Fox News host told Trump’s press secretary at the time. “Resistant, but listened to Pence thoughts, to make it right.” The vice president presumably presented advice that burying the hatchet with the incoming administration would have many benefits. Pardoning the president-elect’s son would likely convince Joe Biden to show similar restraint over investigating Trump’s three oldest children.
Also, it may have been accepted as a conciliatory gesture or a step to amend for events that happened after Trump’s Washington, D.C., rally went off the rails.
Hannity added that Trump seemed agreeable with talks about him attending the January 20 Inauguration.
“Love that. Thank you,” McEnany responded. “That is the playbook. I will help reinforce. Thank you for your help.”
“You are doing a great service for your country,” McEnany concluded.
The text exchange Wagner posted was part of exhibits made public during open hearings of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Speculation about pardoning Hunter Biden predated the Hannity-McEnany correspondence. A December 2020 report by the National Interest questioned in its headline whether Trump would pardon Hunter Biden.
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