President Biden Pardons Son Hunter Over Firearms, Tax Convictions
President Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son Hunter Biden for convictions related to firearms and tax offenses, reversing an earlier stance in which he had pledged not to use his presidential authority for such purposes.
In his statement, Biden explained that Hunter had been unfairly targeted due to his family name, facing selective prosecution. Meanwhile, the President expressed his belief that the legal process had been tainted by political motives, resulting in what he described as a miscarriage of justice. Biden also noted that Hunter had been sober for over five years and had endured relentless attacks, including from political opponents seeking to harm his family.
This decision comes just weeks before Hunter Biden was set to be sentenced for charges stemming from false statements made during a gun background check and his failure to pay over $1.4 million in taxes.
While the charges carried the possibility of significant prison sentences, the younger Biden was expected to face a lesser punishment under federal guidelines. Biden’s decision is likely to fuel ongoing debate about the independence of the U.S. justice system, particularly as critics warn that President-elect Donald Trump may use law enforcement to target political rivals once in office.
Biden justified the pardon by pointing out that similar cases rarely result in criminal trials, and that individuals who fail to pay taxes on time are typically given non-criminal resolutions. He also emphasized that political pressures had undermined a previously negotiated plea deal that would have provided a fair resolution for Hunter Biden. The President further noted that Republicans had used his son’s legal troubles to damage his political standing, particularly during a failed impeachment effort.
Hunter Biden, in a statement following the pardon, acknowledged his past mistakes, particularly those related to his struggles with addiction, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild his life. He pledged to use his second chance to help others facing similar challenges. The pardon, which covers offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, adds to a long history of presidential pardons, including those granted to political allies and family members.
