President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, citing concerns about political targeting by opponents, a move that sparked bipartisan criticism. The White House stated the pardon aimed to protect Hunter from ongoing persecution, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre asserting that Republicans were unlikely to relent. However, Biden’s decision contradicted his earlier pledge not to pardon his son, including a clear denial to ABC News in June.
Hunter faced charges of tax offenses and making false statements during a firearm purchase. Republicans have long accused him of leveraging his father’s name for business deals but failed to prove substantive connections. Biden defended his son, claiming the judicial process was “infected” by politics, though he maintained faith in the Department of Justice.
The pardon drew backlash from Republicans, who accused Biden of dishonesty, and some Democrats, who said it undermined trust in the legal system. Colorado Governor Jared Polis criticized the decision, while former Attorney General Eric Holder supported it. Black Lives Matter urged Biden to extend the same compassion to others imprisoned for nonviolent offenses.
The New York Times reported Biden feared the trials could jeopardize Hunter’s sobriety and believed no alternatives to a full pardon were considered. Hunter’s attorney filed to dismiss the indictments late Sunday. Previously, Hunter pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and was set for sentencing in December for firearm-related offenses.
Biden emphasized that his son had been unfairly singled out. “No reasonable person can conclude otherwise,” he said, reiterating his belief in Hunter’s selective prosecution.
Also read: President Biden Pardons Son Hunter, Cites Selective Prosecution
