In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has granted his son, Hunter Biden, a "full and unconditional" pardon for federal gun and tax charges. This move comes as a stark reversal from the President's previous assertions that he would not leverage his executive power in favor of his son. The announcement was made public through a statement from the White House this past Sunday, preempting Hunter Biden’s sentencing for gun charges set for December 12th and another sentencing for tax evasion charges just days later.
President Biden's decision has ignited controversy, especially considering his firm stance on not intervening with the Justice Department's operations concerning his son’s legal troubles. In his statement, however, Biden expressed that despite honoring his commitment to non-interference, it became evident to him that Hunter was subjected to selective and unjust prosecution. He highlighted the absence of aggravating factors in Hunter’s gun purchase case—such as involvement in crime or multiple purchases—which typically do not lead to trial on felony charges merely for inaccuracies on a gun form.
This pardon also covers any offenses Hunter may have committed up until December 2024, including those he was charged with or prosecuted for. Joe Biden emphasized the differential treatment often extended to individuals who settle their unpaid taxes, including interest and penalties, without facing criminal resolutions.
The President pointed out the political motivations behind the targeting of his son by opponents aiming to undermine him politically. He condemned these actions as an attempt not only to break Hunter—who has been sober for over five and a half years amidst relentless attacks—but also as an effort directed at him.
Speculations about a possible pardon had been circulating since Hunter appeared publicly with President Biden during Thanksgiving break in Nantucket. Notably, even Donald Trump commented on the potential for such a pardon last October during a radio interview.
Hunter's controversies had previously peaked with the emergence of a laptop left at a Delaware repair shop containing compromising images and emails. Dubbed the "laptop from hell," it became part of Republican critiques against Hunter and was claimed to be suppressed by media allies of the Democrats during critical election moments.
In closing his statement, Joe Biden reiterated his lifelong adherence to truthfulness towards the American people. He expressed hope that Americans would understand the difficult position he found himself in as both President and father—a position that led him to believe politics had unduly influenced justice in this case.
President Biden's decision has ignited controversy, especially considering his firm stance on not intervening with the Justice Department's operations concerning his son’s legal troubles. In his statement, however, Biden expressed that despite honoring his commitment to non-interference, it became evident to him that Hunter was subjected to selective and unjust prosecution. He highlighted the absence of aggravating factors in Hunter’s gun purchase case—such as involvement in crime or multiple purchases—which typically do not lead to trial on felony charges merely for inaccuracies on a gun form.
This pardon also covers any offenses Hunter may have committed up until December 2024, including those he was charged with or prosecuted for. Joe Biden emphasized the differential treatment often extended to individuals who settle their unpaid taxes, including interest and penalties, without facing criminal resolutions.
The President pointed out the political motivations behind the targeting of his son by opponents aiming to undermine him politically. He condemned these actions as an attempt not only to break Hunter—who has been sober for over five and a half years amidst relentless attacks—but also as an effort directed at him.
Speculations about a possible pardon had been circulating since Hunter appeared publicly with President Biden during Thanksgiving break in Nantucket. Notably, even Donald Trump commented on the potential for such a pardon last October during a radio interview.
Hunter's controversies had previously peaked with the emergence of a laptop left at a Delaware repair shop containing compromising images and emails. Dubbed the "laptop from hell," it became part of Republican critiques against Hunter and was claimed to be suppressed by media allies of the Democrats during critical election moments.
In closing his statement, Joe Biden reiterated his lifelong adherence to truthfulness towards the American people. He expressed hope that Americans would understand the difficult position he found himself in as both President and father—a position that led him to believe politics had unduly influenced justice in this case.
