President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, sparking outrage from Republicans and mixed reactions from Democrats. The pardon comes after Hunter Biden faced convictions on gun charges and pled guilty to tax fraud earlier this year.
The decision contrasts with Biden’s earlier promise to “abide by the jury’s decision” in a June interview, leading critics to accuse the president of hypocrisy and abuse of power.
Republican Leaders Slam the Pardon
Leading Republicans were quick to condemn the pardon, framing it as a betrayal of Biden’s previous commitments. House Oversight Chair James Comer accused the president of covering up family wrongdoing, saying, “Joe Biden has lied from start to finish.”
Former President Donald Trump also criticized the move, labeling it “an abuse and miscarriage of justice” and suggesting that the decision could set a precedent for pardoning participants in the January 6 Capitol attack.
Senator John Barrasso called the pardon evidence of a “two-tier system of justice,” while Senator Chuck Grassley expressed personal disappointment, saying he had believed Biden’s earlier assurances.
Democratic Response Divided
Prominent Democrats defended the pardon, arguing that the charges against Hunter Biden stemmed from political targeting. Former Attorney General Eric Holder described the pardon as “warranted,” asserting that federal prosecutors typically would not have pursued such a case.
Rep. Jamie Raskin highlighted the potential for selective prosecution, stating, “The power exists for the president to show mercy… where there’s injustice in the process.”
However, some Democrats criticized Biden’s decision. Rep. Greg Stanton and Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment, with Polis warning that the move sets a “bad precedent” that future presidents could exploit.
Legal and Political Implications
Before the pardon, Hunter Biden faced sentencing in two separate cases. In Delaware, he was convicted on gun charges and scheduled for sentencing on December 12. In California, he pleaded guilty to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, with sentencing set for December 16.
The pardon adds a controversial chapter to Biden’s presidency, potentially undermining his credibility and giving Republicans fresh ammunition ahead of the 2024 election. It also raises questions about presidential pardon powers and their limits in cases involving family members.
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