The White House said on Monday that President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter in part because of concern his political opponents would continue to persecute the younger Biden in the future, as a growing chorus of Democrats and Republicans criticized his decision.

The White House has defended President Joe Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, after repeatedly insisting he had no plans for such executive clemency. The press secretary said Biden had pardoned his son, who was facing sentencing later this month in two federal cases, to shield him from persecution by the outgoing president's political foes.

The president’s spokesperson on Monday offered little explanation as to why the president changed his mind, but said he maintained faith in the justice system.