In a controversial move, President Joe Biden pardoned several members of his family on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration. These clemency decisions were aimed at protecting his family from what Biden described as “baseless and politically motivated investigations.” The pardons sparked criticism from Republicans, who labeled the actions as politically motivated.
Biden Issues Family Pardons
In his final moments as president, Joe Biden signed pardons for several of his family members, including his son Hunter, who was facing sentencing in two criminal cases. These pardons extended to his siblings and other relatives, covering all nonviolent actions dating back to 2014. Biden’s decision comes amid fears that his family would face politically motivated legal actions under the new administration.
Motivation Behind the Pardons
The pardons were intended to shield Biden’s family from investigations that the president believed were politically motivated. Biden justified the pardons, stating that they should not be seen as an admission of guilt but rather as a preventative measure against future attacks from the incoming Trump administration.
Criticism from Republicans
Republicans swiftly criticized the pardons, accusing Biden of abusing his presidential powers to protect his family from allegations of influence peddling and corruption. This action stood in stark contrast to Biden’s earlier criticism of the idea of preemptive pardons during the 2020 campaign.
Contradicting Biden’s Previous Stance
Biden’s decision to pardon his family members contradicts his earlier statements from 2020, where he denounced the idea of preemptive pardons for family members and close allies, calling it a concerning precedent. The pardons have raised questions about the use of clemency and its political implications.
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