On Sunday, President Joe Biden officially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing in two criminal cases. The decision comes despite earlier assurances from the president that he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters.
“No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can conclude anything other than that he was singled out solely because he is my son — and that is wrong,” Biden said in a statement.
The move has already sparked debate over the independence of the U.S. judicial system, particularly as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to appoint loyalists to key positions in the FBI and Justice Department.
Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year of lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm — a felony — and pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion case. While he had not yet been sentenced, he faced a potential 42 years in prison if maximum penalties were imposed.
President Biden, whose term ends on January 20 before Trump assumes office, had consistently stated he would not intervene in his son’s legal proceedings.
“I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word, even as I watched my son be selectively and unfairly prosecuted,” Biden said. “The charges against him were politically motivated, instigated by my opponents to attack me and undermine my presidency.”
The president expressed belief in the justice system but condemned what he called the political weaponization of Hunter’s cases, which he argued resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
The pardon comes as criminal investigations against President-elect Trump have slowed following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. The decision effectively shields Trump, who was convicted in May of falsifying business records, from serving any jail time.
Presidential pardons for family members and allies are not without precedent. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for a drug conviction, and Trump pardoned his son-in-law’s father for tax evasion. However, those individuals had already served their sentences. Trump has also vowed to pardon supporters involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Trump, responding to Hunter’s pardon, questioned in a social media post whether Biden’s act of clemency would extend to the “J-6 hostages” imprisoned for their roles in the Capitol attack.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have long been a liability for his father, especially during an election year. Republicans have criticized the Justice Department for being lenient on him, though Hunter’s legal team has argued he was targeted due to his family ties.
Hunter, who has struggled with drug addiction, paid back taxes and penalties but saw a plea deal collapse earlier this year. Prosecutors rejected an “Alford plea,” which would have allowed him to admit guilt without conceding wrongdoing.
In a statement, Hunter Biden vowed to dedicate his life to helping others battling addiction. “I will devote the life I have rebuilt to supporting those who are still sick and suffering,” he said.
This controversy adds to the political turbulence surrounding the end of Biden’s presidency and the transition to Trump’s administration.
