Hunter Biden presumably stunned his family, including his father, President Joe Biden, on Thursday when he and his lawyers announced that he would plead guilty to all nine tax-related charges. 

The charges were brought against him by Special Counsel David Weiss, and Hunter originally pleaded not guilty to all of them.

Fox News reported that federal prosecutors were shocked to learn that Hunter Biden altered his plea.

It was also noted that sources familiar with the situation told Fox News that Hunter Biden's potential plea switch is only an option for the defense in the case.

What's going on?

Fox News described the scenario in the courtroom when Hunter and his lawyers dropped the guilty plea bombshell.

The judge had Hunter Biden agree under oath to no longer remain silent and told him that if he pleads guilty he gives up all of his rights to a trial.

Before the court took a 30-minute break, Judge Mark Scarsi said that "the court doesn’t need the government’s agreement to accept an Alford plea."

Notably, Hunter Biden's lawyers and the special counsel are not talking, and the special counsel's office is still determining what the next steps are in the case.

The trial for the president's son began this Thursday, with jury selection kicking off.

Hunter Takes One for Team Biden, Enters Guilty Plea that Avoids Trial - What Does He Have to Hide?

Hunter Biden has admitted guilt to federal tax charges, meaning he will avoid facing another criminal trial - months after his conviction in a separate weapons case. pic.twitter.com/79Pe9ETn7R

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 6, 2024

Fox News noted:

Weiss charged Biden with three felonies and six misdemeanors concerning $1.4 million in owed taxes that have since been paid. Weiss alleged a pattern by which the president’s son did not pay his federal income taxes while also filing false tax returns.

Social media erupted in the wake of the guilty plea.

Social media reacts

Users across the internet reacted to the idea of Hunter pleading guilty.

"He wants to clear up everything before Daddy pardons him and the rest of the Biden family crime syndicate," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "There’s one reason to change at this point. Joe’s final act as president will be the finger to those who ousted him and a parody of the patriarchal oligarchy that rules our society."

Only time will tell what the jury decides. Hunter faces 17 years if convicted.