On Monday, the White House defended President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, citing concerns about continued political attacks. However, the move sparked intense criticism, with some Democrats expressing concerns about its impact on public trust in the justice system.
President Biden signed an unconditional pardon for Hunter on Sunday, stating that his son had been unfairly targeted by political opponents. This marked a shift from his earlier stance, as Biden had previously told ABC News in June that he would not pardon Hunter. The president emphasized that Hunter was “selectively prosecuted” and subjected to undue political scrutiny, a claim echoed by White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, who highlighted the persistent nature of these attacks.
“One of the reasons the president did the pardon is because they didn’t seem like… his political opponents… would let go of it,” Jean-Pierre explained during a press briefing aboard Air Force One. She also noted that presidential pardons for family members are not unprecedented, referencing examples like Bill Clinton’s pardon of his half-brother Roger and Donald Trump’s pardon of Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father.
Hunter Biden faced legal troubles over tax offenses and firearm-related charges, stemming from years of Republican-led investigations that accused him of exploiting his father’s political influence. However, these claims failed to establish concrete evidence of wrongdoing tied to President Biden.
Critics from both parties reacted strongly to the pardon. Republicans accused Biden of dishonesty, while Democrats were divided. Colorado Governor Jared Polis suggested Biden prioritized family over the nation, whereas former Attorney General Eric Holder defended the pardon as justified. Advocacy group Black Lives Matter also weighed in, urging Biden to extend similar clemency to others incarcerated for nonviolent offenses.
The administration dismissed any speculation that the decision was influenced by the recent Republican electoral victories.
Hunter Biden’s legal situation included a guilty plea to federal tax charges and a conviction for making false statements on a firearm background check. He had been scheduled for sentencing in December. On Sunday, his attorney filed to dismiss the charges following the pardon.
Biden stated that “no reasonable person” could conclude otherwise than that Hunter had been “singled out only because he is my son.”
By: Montana Newsroom staff
