In a controversial move, U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday, weeks before the end of his presidency.
Hunter, who faced sentencing for two criminal charges, had been convicted of lying about drug use during a gun purchase and pleaded guilty to tax evasion earlier this year.
President Biden defended his decision, stating that Hunter was unfairly targeted due to political motivations.
“No reasonable person who looks at the facts can conclude otherwise,” Biden said, emphasizing that the charges were driven by partisan attacks.
He expressed frustration over what he described as a politically motivated miscarriage of justice.
The pardon has sparked fresh debates about the independence of the U.S. judicial system, especially as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to appoint loyalists to key positions in the FBI and Justice Department.
Hunter Biden had initially struck a plea deal to avoid jail time, but the agreement fell apart. Facing significant prison sentences, he managed to pay back taxes and penalties but was denied leniency by prosecutors.
Despite his legal battles, Hunter vowed to dedicate his life to helping those struggling with addiction.
This high-profile pardon follows historical precedents, including Bill Clinton’s pardon of his half-brother for drug-related charges and Donald Trump’s pardon of his son-in-law’s father for tax evasion.
The controversy is further heightened by Trump’s pledge to pardon January 6 Capitol rioters, underscoring a contentious legacy of presidential clemency.
The move comes as President Biden nears the end of his term, having withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Critics argue the pardon undermines public trust in the justice system, while supporters believe it highlights the need to address politically influenced prosecutions.
Leave a Reply