believe that the White House is MORE than eager to see Hunter’s sweetheart plea deal finalized.
First, it is indeed a back-door pardon. Oh, Joe could formally pardon him (and he very certainly will, as he goes out the door), but it would be political suicide to do so now.
Second, if (as seems likely) it was Hunter who brought cocaine into the White House, that would almost for sure violate the terms of his plea bargain, and expose him to prison time.
THAT is why the White House is so determined to say it was not Hunter. But, of course, it VERY likely was. There are only a few people the Secret Service does not search as they come in–mainly the family of the President and VP.