Bill Clinton Backs Joe Biden’s Decision to Pardon Hunter Amid Democratic Divide
NEW YORK — Former President Bill Clinton publicly defended President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, during the 2024 DealBook Summit on Wednesday. Clinton argued that Hunter faced harsher treatment than a typical citizen, a stance that has sparked mixed reactions among Democratic leaders.
“I personally believe the president is almost certainly right that his son received completely different treatment than he would have if he hadn’t been the president’s son,” Clinton said.
The pardon, issued earlier this week, absolves Hunter Biden of three felony convictions related to his 2018 handgun purchase during a period of addiction, as well as his guilty plea to federal tax crimes. This decision allows Hunter to avoid criminal sentencing hearings that were scheduled for this month.
Democratic Leaders Divided
While Clinton voiced support, other prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, expressed disappointment. Newsom acknowledged understanding Biden’s reasoning but emphasized his opposition to the pardon, a sentiment shared by several party members concerned about its political repercussions.
Critics argue that the pardon undermines the party’s position on the rule of law and creates an opening for President-elect Donald Trump to issue sweeping pardons to his allies.
Clinton Reflects on Pardons and Justice
Clinton, no stranger to pardon controversies, dismissed comparisons between Hunter Biden’s pardon and his own decision to pardon his younger brother, Roger Clinton, for a 1985 cocaine trafficking conviction.
“My brother did 14 months in federal prison for something he did when he was 20,” Clinton explained, framing his decision as a matter of restoring Roger’s rights as a citizen.
He also called for reforms in the pardon process, suggesting a broader discussion about how applications are evaluated and approved to ensure fairness and transparency.
Political and Legal Implications
The pardon has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and some Democrats, who claim it damages the party’s credibility on issues of justice. Clinton acknowledged the potential for backlash but argued that partisan perceptions of law and justice have already eroded public trust.
“We had a lot better record than Republicans did, didn’t we? And what good did it do us?” he quipped.
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, speculation grows about how this decision might influence his use of presidential pardons, particularly in shielding allies from prosecution.
Conclusion
The Hunter Biden pardon continues to polarize the political landscape, revealing deep divisions within the Democratic Party and sparking a renewed debate about the role and fairness of presidential pardons.
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