In a significant and controversial move, U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, absolving him of firearm and tax-related convictions.
The announcement, made on Sunday via a White House statement, comes as Biden nears the end of his presidency.
Defending his decision, Biden highlighted what he described as politically motivated attacks against his son, emphasizing that his actions were driven by fairness and justice.
He noted his earlier pledge not to influence Justice Department proceedings, a promise he insists he upheld despite watching Hunter face what he called “selective and unfair prosecution.”
“These charges only arose after political adversaries in Congress weaponized the legal system to undermine me and my presidency,” Biden stated.
“He further claimed that Hunter, who has maintained sobriety for over five years, was being unfairly targeted due to his family name.
“In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me,” Biden declared, urging an end to what he described as relentless hostility toward his family.
The president acknowledged the difficult balance between respecting the justice system and addressing what he perceived as a politically tainted process.
“Raw politics has infected this case, leading to a miscarriage of justice. Once I decided to act, there was no point in delaying further,” he explained.
Biden expressed hope that Americans would empathize with his position as both a father and the nation’s leader.
Hunter Biden had been facing sentencing for charges stemming from a false statement about drug use during a gun purchase background check and over $1.4 million in unpaid taxes.
The pardon has sparked criticism across political lines, including from members of Biden’s party. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, called the decision disappointing and warned it could tarnish Biden’s legacy.
The controversy mirrors similar backlash faced by former President Donald Trump, who issued numerous pardons for allies under legal scrutiny as he left office in 2021.