President Joe Biden has decided to pardon his son Hunter before his sentencing for gun and tax convictions, despite previously vowing not to use his presidential powers to grant him clemency.
Biden stated that Hunter was unfairly prosecuted due to his family name, and he had been sober for five and a half years despite facing constant attacks and selective prosecution.
The president emphasized his belief in the justice system but expressed concerns about the influence of politics leading to a miscarriage of justice in Hunter’s case.
Biden’s decision comes ahead of Hunter Biden’s sentencing for felonies related to false statements on a gun background check and tax evasion.
The pardon is expected to raise questions about the independence of the US justice system, with critics warning about potential misuse by incoming president Donald Trump.
Trump criticized the pardon, calling it an abuse of power and questioning its implications for other individuals facing legal consequences.
Biden defended his decision, citing discrepancies in the handling of gun purchase form errors and late tax payments in other cases.
The president also accused Republicans of exploiting his son’s issues to undermine him and interfere with the legal process.
The pardon covers not only Hunter Biden’s current convictions but also any other offenses he may have been involved in since 2014.
Previously, Biden had ruled out the possibility of pardoning his son, stating that he would abide by the jury’s decision.
Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the clemency granted to him, acknowledging his past mistakes and vowing to help others in similar situations.
Presidents in the US have the authority to grant clemency to federal criminals, with past examples of pardons benefiting family members and political allies.
