President Biden Grants Pardon to Son Hunter, Citing Politically Motivated Charges
Washington, December 2 - Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden issued a “full and unconditional pardon” to his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, alleging that the charges against him were politically motivated and targeted solely because he is the President's son.
In a late-night statement, Biden said, “Throughout my career, I have adhered to one principle: tell the American people the truth. They are fair-minded and will think critically. The truth here is that while I believe in the justice system, my experience has shown that partisan politics can corrupt the process and make a mockery of justice. I decided this weekend to act, and delaying it further served no purpose.”
The pardon reverses Biden’s earlier stance of not using presidential powers for personal family matters. It spares Hunter Biden from potential prison sentences tied to federal gun and tax charges for which he had been convicted earlier this year.
Charges and Legal Battles
Hunter Biden faced charges for allegedly lying on a federal form regarding his drug use while purchasing a firearm in 2018 and for failing to pay over $1.4 million in taxes. He was scheduled to appear in a California court soon, with potential sentences ranging from 17 to 25 years for the respective charges.
In June, Biden publicly stated that he would not intervene in the judicial proceedings, adding that he respected the court’s decisions. However, his pardon comes as the political landscape grows tense ahead of the next presidential election, where Biden faces a likely rematch with Donald Trump.
Allegations of Political Bias
President Biden emphasized the selective nature of the prosecution, stating, “There is no precedent for charging someone with felonies based solely on how they filled out a gun form, absent any aggravating circumstances.” He also noted that tax issues like Hunter’s are often resolved through non-criminal settlements.
Biden argued that his son was unfairly targeted, saying, “Hunter has been subjected to relentless attacks and selective prosecution over the past five and a half years. The aim was to break him, and in doing so, to break me as well.”
Reaction and Implications
The pardon concludes a lengthy legal ordeal for Hunter Biden, who first disclosed being under federal investigation in December 2020, just a month after his father was elected President. Biden’s move has sparked debate, with critics accusing him of using presidential powers to shield his family while supporters argue the charges were unjust.
In his own statement, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude and pledged to live a life dedicated to helping others. “I have taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction. These errors have been used as a tool to publicly shame me and my family for political gain,” he said.
Political Fallout
The pardon comes just weeks after Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives, fueling speculation of intensified scrutiny over the Biden administration. It also casts a shadow over the Democratic Party as Biden prepares for a challenging re-election campaign.
This move may be seen as a preemptive step to end the legal distractions surrounding his family, but it risks alienating centrist voters who may perceive the pardon as an abuse of presidential authority.
Hunter Biden’s legal saga has drawn significant media attention, particularly with allegations of influence peddling and misuse of power in his business dealings. The President’s decision to pardon his son is likely to become a focal point in upcoming political debates.
As Biden concluded in his statement, “I hope the American people understand why a father and a President arrived at this decision.”
