In a significant use of executive power, President Joe Biden granted a presidential pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, thus preventing him from serving a prison sentence related to charges of unlawful possession of firearms and tax evasion. This decision came just days before Hunter was scheduled to appear in court in Delaware and California, where he faced several years behind bars.
Back in 2023, Hunter Biden admitted to committing two offenses: providing false information on an official form when purchasing a firearm in Delaware, and failing to pay an estimated $1.4 million in taxes in California. In his official statement, Joe Biden justified the pardon by asserting that his son had been "treated differently" by the Department of Justice because of his familial ties to the President, labeling the situation as "unjust."
The presidential pardon, a unique power held by the U.S. president, wipes clean the criminal record of the individual pardoned, offering them a fresh start. This practice is often observed in the waning days of a presidency and has frequently been criticized when applied to contentious cases.
Biden's choice has sparked a range of reactions. While Hunter has expressed his gratitude for the clemency and vowed to dedicate his efforts to aiding others, President-elect Donald Trump described the pardon as "an abuse and an injustice," questioning if similar clemency would extend to those convicted for the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
During his own presidency, Donald Trump issued pardons to several controversial individuals, including Steve Bannon and rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black. The pardon of Hunter Biden adds to the ongoing debate regarding justice and the utilization of presidential authority in the United States.
Controversial Presidential Pardons and Their Implications
What crimes was Hunter Biden accused of?
Hunter Biden was accused of unlawful possession of firearms and evading taxes, with the latter involving a sum of $1.4 million in California.
Why did President Joe Biden decide to pardon his son?
President Joe Biden argued that his son was treated differently by the Department of Justice due to their familial relationship, calling it an injustice.
How has the public reacted to the pardon of Hunter Biden?
The public response has been mixed. While some, including Hunter himself, have shown gratitude, others, like Donald Trump, have criticized it as an abuse of power.