President Biden Pardons Son Hunter 2 Weeks Before Leaving Office
President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing this month for federal tax and gun convictions. The pardon, which is “full and unconditional,” means Hunter will not face prison time. It covers his tax and gun offences, as well as any federal crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024, including his work with the Ukrainian company Burisma.
The pardon came just weeks before Biden leaves office, overturning previous statements where he said he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles. The timing of the pardon, following special counsel Jack Smith’s dismissal of cases against Trump, has added fuel to the debate. Both Biden and Trump now claim that their cases show how the justice system has been politicised.
Biden explained that he issued the pardon because he believes Hunter was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and that the charges were politically motivated. “I believe raw politics has infected this process,” the president said. However, critics, including former President Donald Trump, called the pardon an “abuse” of power. Trump supporters now argue that Biden’s use of pardons is no different from Trump’s controversial pardons during his presidency.
Hunter Biden has faced scrutiny for his business dealings abroad and his struggles with addiction. His lawyers notified the courts of the pardon, which will cancel upcoming sentencing hearings. In response, Hunter said he accepted the pardon and vowed to help others still struggling with addiction. This move marks the end of a six-year legal saga for Hunter Biden.
Facebook Comments