President Biden Grants Full Pardon to Son Hunter Amid Legal Challenges and Political Backlash

US President Joe Biden has issued an unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, despite earlier ruling it out, calling the legal proceedings against him a “miscarriage of justice.”

Hunter Biden, the first child of a sitting US president to be convicted of a crime, faced legal issues related to tax charges and possession of a firearm by a drug user. In September, he pleaded guilty to tax fraud and was convicted of felony gun charges in June. He was facing significant prison time, including up to 17 years for tax crimes and 25 years for the gun charge.

Despite initially stating that he would not intervene in his son’s case, President Biden reversed his stance and issued the pardon, claiming that politics had influenced the legal process, leading to an unfair prosecution. Biden emphasized that while he has always respected the justice system, his decision was made due to the misuse of legal power and the selective prosecution of Hunter.

In his statement, President Biden explained that he wrestled with the decision and chose not to delay it any further, expressing hope that Americans would understand his actions as both a father and a president. “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” Biden said.

Reactions to the Pardon

The pardon sparked strong reactions from both Republicans and Democrats. Republicans, particularly House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, criticized the decision, claiming the president had lied about the circumstances surrounding Hunter’s case. Democrats also voiced concerns, with Representative Greg Stanton becoming the first to publicly disagree with Biden’s action, stating that he believed the pardon was a mistake.

In contrast, Hunter Biden expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the mistakes he made during his addiction and stating that the legal proceedings had been exploited for political gain. He emphasized his commitment to help others still struggling with addiction, noting that he has been sober for over five years.

Historical Context

This decision is not the first time a US president has granted clemency to a family member. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton for a 1985 cocaine offense, and Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father, in 2020.

Hunter Biden’s legal issues have long been a point of contention and controversy, affecting his father’s presidency and campaign. As President Biden’s term nears its end, with Donald Trump set to take office in January 2025, the pardon marks a significant moment in this ongoing political saga.