Gov. Gavin Newsom Gives Clearest Sign Yet He’s Going To Gun For Presidency With Response To Biden’s Hunter Pardon

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom distanced himself from President Joe Biden Tuesday by condemning the pardoning of his son, Hunter Biden.

Newsom, a suspected presidential contender in 2028, told Politico he is “disappointed” by Biden’s decision to issue a “full and unconditional” pardon after he had repeatedly assured the nation that he would not grant one for his son. The California governor’s public disapproval for Biden could indicate that he may be trying to distance himself for political purposes, as he has been a staunch defender of the president throughout his term in the Oval Office.

“With everything the president and his family have been through, I completely understand the instinct to protect Hunter,” Newsom said. “But I took the president at his word. So by definition, I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision.”

Newsom has staunchly supported and defended Biden against concerns about his mental capability to serve as commander-in-chief. Following the president’s disastrous debate performance in June, Newsom told MSNBC’s Alex Wagner in June that the Democratic Party should not “turn back” on the president over one bad night while many Democrats began calling on Biden to step out of the race.

The California governor has positioned himself to be a possible contender in the 2024 primary if Biden decided to step down from the race, according