Mon Dec 02 17:36:53 UTC 2024: **Biden Pardons Son Hunter in Controversial End-of-Term Move**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a stunning reversal, President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, just weeks before leaving office. The pardon covers all potential crimes committed by Hunter Biden between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, effectively nullifying his convictions on tax evasion and gun charges.
The decision marks a significant departure from President Biden’s repeated previous assurances that he would not interfere in the Justice Department’s handling of his son’s case. Hunter Biden was convicted in June of felony gun charges related to a 2018 firearm purchase while battling drug addiction, and pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges in September.
President Biden defended his action in a statement, arguing that his son was unfairly targeted for political reasons, claiming that his political opponents instigated the charges. He insisted that Hunter Biden was treated differently than others facing similar circumstances.
The pardon drew immediate and fierce criticism from Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a damaging blow to the justice system’s integrity, while Senator Chuck Grassley expressed shock and disappointment. President-elect Donald Trump labeled the pardon an “abuse and miscarriage of justice!” Even some Democrats, like Colorado Governor Jared Polis, expressed concern about the precedent set.
However, former Attorney General Eric Holder defended the pardon, suggesting that a different outcome would have been reached if Hunter Biden’s name wasn’t associated with the President.
Two IRS whistleblowers who had raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the investigation also condemned the pardon. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, defended the President’s decision, citing ongoing political attacks and the President’s belief that the DOJ was improperly influenced.
Hunter Biden’s legal team has notified the courts, resulting in the cancellation of his upcoming sentencing hearings. The pardon marks the 26th issued by President Biden, most for drug offenses. This is not the first time a president has pardoned a family member; President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother, and President Trump pardoned his son-in-law’s father.
The pardon comes amid ongoing Republican investigations into Hunter Biden’s business dealings. President Biden maintains he had no involvement in his son’s affairs.
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