Fox News’ Sean Hannity pitched Trump on Hunter Biden pardon – report

The Fox News host Sean Hannity tried to sell Donald Trump on a novel way to heal the wounds of his presidency and the deadly Capitol attack: a pardon for Hunter Biden.

The bizarre idea was referred to in texts released by the House January 6 committee, which on Thursday held its first primetime televised hearing.

In one message, Hannity told Kayleigh McEnany, then White House press secretary, Trump "was intrigued by the pardon idea!! (Hunter)".

The Daily Beast said a source familiar with the conversations between Hannity and Trump confirmed that Hannity was referring to Hunter Biden.

Joe Biden's surviving son has become a magnet for Republican attacks over his business affairs and personal life, including a collapsed marriage and struggles with addiction.

A laptop he once owned was touted by Trump allies including Hannity as an "October surprise" to blow up the 2020 election. It did not explode but news outlets have since run stories based on information from the computer.

Hunter Biden has confirmed that his tax history is under investigation, saying in December 2020: "I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately."