POLITICS: Joe Biden has officially pardoned his son Hunter Biden, despite previously saying he would not

In a significant and controversial move, President Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, following his conviction in two federal cases earlier this year. The announcement came from the White House on Sunday night, with the pardon covering offenses Hunter “has committed or may have committed” from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.

“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” President Biden stated. He emphasized his commitment to not interfere with the Justice Department’s operations, asserting, “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.”

The president expressed his belief that Hunter was treated differently than others in similar situations. “Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form,” he noted.

Biden also highlighted his son’s struggle with addiction, claiming that “there has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution.” He concluded his statement with a plea for understanding: “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”

Hunter Biden, 54, has faced a tumultuous year in the legal arena, beginning with his trial in Delaware in June for three felony firearm offenses. He later pleaded guilty to a separate felony tax case in September. In a statement following the pardon, Hunter expressed gratitude, stating, “I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction – mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport.”

He further reflected on his journey, saying, “In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.”

This pardon marks a stark departure from President Biden’s earlier assertions. When asked if he would rule out pardoning Hunter, he responded, “Yes.” Following Hunter’s conviction, he reiterated, “I am not going to do anything.”

The legal troubles for Hunter Biden have drawn significant media attention, particularly in light of the political implications. Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, stating, “There’s no question about it. He’s been a bad boy,” while also cautioning, “But I happen to think it’s very bad for our country.”

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this pardon remain to be seen, with many questioning the motivations behind it and its potential impact on the Biden administration.

If Biden pardons someone–like, say, Hunter or Jack Smith–they can no longer invoke the Fifth Amendment’s right against self-incrimination to avoid testifying before Congress or grand juries.

See also

Politics

·12/01/2024·0

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If those pardoned refuse to testify, they can face new charges for criminal contempt.

— Mike Davis (@mrddmia) November 26, 2024