President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, saving Hunter from potential prison time for federal gun and tax convictions and going back on his previous commitment not to use his presidential powers for his family’s benefit.
The Democratic president had previously ruled out pardoning or reducing his son’s sentence following his convictions in Delaware and California. This decision comes soon before Hunter Biden’s sentencing for the gun case and tax charges, and just before the upcoming return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.
This marks the end of a lengthy legal battle for Hunter Biden, who publicly revealed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s victory — tarnishing the elder Biden’s reputation. Despite promises to uphold laws and norms after Trump’s presidency, Biden ultimately used his power to aid his son, contradicting his assurances to Americans.
In June, Biden unequivocally denied pardoning or reducing his son’s conviction, stating during the Delaware trial, “I respect the verdict. I will not interfere.”
Even as recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the possibility of a pardon or leniency for Hunter Biden, stating, “Our response remains the same, which is no.”
The elder Biden has supported his son through addiction struggles, and his opponents have used Hunter Biden’s missteps for political attacks. Amidst controversies about his business activities, efforts for his father’s impeachment, and personal turmoil, Hunter Biden’s legal issues have been a focal point.
In a statement on Sunday, Biden mentioned, “I believe in justice, but politics played a role in a miscarriage of justice in Hunter’s cases.” He stated that the charges stemmed from political adversaries seeking to harm him, leading to a biased legal process.
Hunter Biden, convicted of felonies in Delaware and facing tax charges in California, pleaded guilty to avoid further family embarrassment after details of his drug addiction emerged during the gun trial.
The sweeping pardon covers Hunter Biden’s offenses since January 1, 2014, aiming to nullify any potential legal actions against him. Hunter Biden’s legal team has highlighted political motives behind his prosecutions, accusing prosecutors of caving under political pressure.
Rep. James Comer criticized Biden’s decision to pardon his son, labeling it as evading accountability for the family’s misconduct.
President Trump, known for pardoning close associates, announced plans to nominate an ally to an ambassadorial position amidst plans for a Justice Department overhaul.
Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the pardon and pledged to use his rebuilt life to assist others in recovery from addiction.
Hunter’s legal team filed requests for dismissal of his cases based on the pardon, seeking immediate resolution from the judges in Los Angeles and Delaware.
