U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for offenses stemming from tax violations and firearm-related charges. The decision, which reverses Biden’s earlier pledge to remain uninvolved in his son’s legal proceedings, has sparked political controversy.
President Defends Decision Amid Allegations of Bias
In a statement, Biden explained his choice as a response to what he described as the selective and unfair prosecution of his son. “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” Biden stated before departing for a trip to Africa.
Hunter Biden, a recovering drug addict and frequent target of Republican criticism, had pleaded guilty to federal charges for failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes and was convicted on firearms-related charges. The pardon, described as “full and unconditional,” applies to offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.
Hunter Biden’s Response
Hunter Biden acknowledged his past mistakes in a statement following the pardon, expressing gratitude for the clemency and reflecting on his recovery journey. “I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction – mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,” he said. He also pledged to devote his life to supporting others struggling with addiction.
Hunter revealed that he had remained sober for over five years and vowed never to take the pardon for granted.
Republican Outrage Over the Pardon
The president’s decision drew sharp criticism from Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump and Representative James Comer, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Trump accused Biden of abusing his presidential powers, referencing individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol riots. Comer alleged the pardon was part of a broader effort to shield the Biden family from scrutiny over alleged corrupt activities.
Biden Challenges the Charges
Biden contended that the legal actions against his son were politically motivated. He argued that similar cases of tax violations and firearm-related offenses are typically resolved without criminal charges, particularly when back taxes, penalties, and interest are repaid, as Hunter had done.
The president also criticized the collapse of a plea deal in August 2023, which would have resolved Hunter’s legal issues without further court proceedings. Biden called the plea deal “fair” and lamented the politicization of the justice system in his son’s case.
