In a surprising twist that has stirred political debate, outgoing US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, from federal felony convictions for gun and tax charges. The decision, announced late Sunday night, comes just weeks before Hunter was set to face sentencing, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
This move marks a significant departure from Biden’s previous promises to avoid using presidential powers to benefit his family. Biden had repeatedly assured the public that he would not interfere in his son’s legal matters, stating unequivocally that Hunter would not receive a pardon or a commutation. With this action, Biden’s words from earlier in the year seem to have taken a complete reversal.
Hunter Biden has been embroiled in legal issues since late 2020, when he publicly acknowledged being under federal investigation. The investigation, which began soon after Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, led to two major charges: a gun case in Delaware and tax-related charges in California. Hunter pleaded guilty to tax charges and was convicted in the gun case. Biden had consistently positioned himself as an advocate of justice, asserting that he would not misuse his authority for personal reasons. As recently as June, Biden dismissed any notion of leniency for his son, asserting, “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.”
As Donald Trump secured his victory in the 2024 presidential election, the White House also reiterated that Hunter Biden would not receive any special treatment. Just days after Trump’s election win, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to questions regarding a potential pardon by saying, “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” These repeated assurances appeared to rule out any possibility of the President intervening on Hunter’s behalf.
However, Biden’s tone shifted dramatically on Sunday evening. In a statement, the President announced, “Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter.” He defended his decision by labeling the prosecution as politically motivated and a “miscarriage of justice.” Biden further elaborated, stating, “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son.”
President Biden also made an emotional appeal to the American public, emphasizing the familial aspect of his decision. “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” he said. Biden explained that he had made up his mind over the Thanksgiving holiday, which he spent with Hunter and the rest of his family in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
With the pardon, the long and high-profile legal saga surrounding Hunter Biden comes to a sudden end, sparking mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Critics have argued that this pardon undermines Biden’s credibility, pointing out his previous pledges to uphold impartial justice. Some have accused the President of abusing his power, while others view his move as an understandable, albeit controversial, act of compassion for his son in the face of what he considers politically motivated charges.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, this final move by Biden is bound to add more fuel to the ongoing political battles in Washington. For many, it raises questions about the limits of presidential power and whether such authority should extend to family matters. Despite Biden’s intentions, the pardon of Hunter Biden may have far-reaching implications for the President’s legacy, underscoring the complex intertwining of politics, power, and personal loyalty.