President Biden said Hunter Biden’s plea deal would have held up if not for his reelection campaign, according to a report.

“If I weren’t running for reelection, he would have gotten the plea deal,” Mr. Biden reportedly told someone close to him, according to Politico.

Hunter Biden had reached a plea deal with prosecutors to resolve the tax and gun charges without him having to spend time in prison. The deal fell apart amid heavy scrutiny from U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika.

On Tuesday, Hunter Biden was found guilty on three counts stemming from his purchase of a handgun in October 2018 while in the throes of crack addiction. He faces up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time, nonviolent offender it is unlikely he would face prison time.

The White House on Wednesday declined to discuss Hunter Biden’s conviction with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly referring to a statement issued by the president moments after the verdict.

The president’s statement expressed love and support for his son, saying he’s overcome his battles with addiction and urging respect for the judicial process.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.