House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized President Joe Biden’s “full and unconditional” pardon of Hunter Biden, labeling it an “abuse” of power that undermines trust in the American justice system. The pardon, granted Sunday night, absolves Hunter Biden of any federal offenses over the past decade, sparking outrage among Republicans.
Johnson Calls for Justice Reform
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson expressed dismay at the president’s reversal, citing Biden’s past promises to let legal proceedings run their course.
“President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes,” Johnson wrote. “But last night he suddenly granted a ‘Full and Unconditional Pardon’ for any and all offenses that Hunter committed for more than a decade!”
Johnson accused the president of further damaging public trust in the justice system, stating it is “almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens.”
While Johnson did not outline specific reforms, he has backed Donald Trump’s proposed overhaul of the Justice Department and the FBI, aligning himself with Trump’s vision of combating what Republicans describe as “weaponization” of federal law enforcement.
GOP Leaders React to the Controversial Pardon
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), speaking on Fox News, lambasted Biden’s decision, calling the president’s credibility into question.
“His word as a Biden is trash,” Cotton said, accusing the president of prioritizing family over the rule of law. Cotton also raised concerns about whether James Biden, the president’s brother, might receive similar clemency amid allegations of involvement in influence-peddling schemes.
The pardon also comes amid Trump’s efforts to revamp federal law enforcement. Speaker Johnson praised Trump’s recent nominations of Kash Patel for FBI Director and Pam Bondi as Attorney General.
“[Kash Patel] is an America First patriot who will bring much-needed change and transparency to the FBI,” Johnson said on X, adding that Bondi’s appointment would help “end the weaponization of the justice system.”
Biden Pardon Sets Stage for Trump’s Clemency Promises
The timing of Hunter Biden’s pardon has provided Donald Trump with ammunition to justify his clemency plans. Trump has pledged to pardon numerous individuals convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, a decision he may now frame as equitable given Biden’s precedent.
“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages?” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to the Capitol rioters as “hostages” and suggesting they deserve similar clemency.
As the controversy unfolds, the Hunter Biden pardon has amplified partisan tensions, reshaping the debate over presidential clemency and the future of justice system reform.
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