US President Joe Biden has officially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases, despite previously stating he would not intervene in his legal troubles.
In his statement, President Biden expressed his perspective on the matter. “No reasonable person looking at the facts of Hunter’s cases can conclude anything other than that he was singled out because he is my son—and that is wrong.”
The decision is expected to spark fresh debates about the independence of the U.S. judicial system. This comes at a time when President-elect Donald Trump has been working to appoint allies to key roles in the FBI and Justice Department.
Hunter Biden had been convicted earlier in the year for lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm—a felony charge. He also pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion case but had not yet been sentenced. Despite previously assuring the public he would not interfere, President Biden ultimately chose to pardon his son.
“I maintained my commitment not to interfere with Justice Department decisions, even as I witnessed my son being unfairly targeted,” Biden stated. He went on to add, “These charges were politically motivated, instigated by some of my opponents in Congress as a way to attack me.”
The president acknowledged his belief in the justice system but criticized what he described as political interference leading to a miscarriage of justice.
This pardon arrives amid broader discussions about legal accountability for political figures. Criminal cases against President-elect Trump have seen delays due to a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, effectively shielding him from potential jail time after his conviction for falsifying business records in May.
Presidential Pardons and Political Controversy
The use of presidential pardons is not unprecedented. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for drug-related charges, and Trump pardoned his son-in-law’s father for tax evasion. However, both men had already served their sentences. Trump has also pledged to pardon supporters involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, calling into question the political motivations behind such decisions.
Trump took to social media following Biden’s pardon of his son, asking, “Does Joe’s pardon for Hunter include the J-6 hostages who have been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of justice!”
Hunter Biden’s Legal Struggles
Hunter Biden, who has battled drug addiction, pleaded guilty in a tax case earlier this year, facing potential imprisonment. He had reached a plea agreement to avoid jail time, but the deal collapsed at the last moment. He also paid his back taxes and related penalties.
Republicans have accused Hunter of receiving preferential treatment due to his father’s position. These claims intensified during the election year but lost momentum following President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Prosecutors reportedly declined a proposed “Alford plea,” where Hunter would admit guilt without accepting responsibility for the crimes. In a statement, Hunter expressed his commitment to supporting others battling addiction, saying, “I will dedicate my rebuilt life to helping those still struggling.”
This case remains a focal point of political and legal debates, with both sides questioning the implications for justice and fairness.
