In a significant move, US President Joe Biden has issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden, effectively dismissing federal gun and tax charges against him. This reversal comes after Biden had previously expressed his reluctance to use his executive authority to pardon his son, signaling a shift in his stance following growing political pressure and scrutiny.
The charges stem from a federal gun case in which Hunter Biden was convicted in June 2024 for making false statements on a gun-purchase form. Additionally, he had pleaded guilty to multiple tax offenses in September. With sentencing hearings scheduled for December 2024, the pardon preempts any penalties, sparking both support and criticism.
In a statement released by the White House, President Biden criticized the selective nature of the prosecution, arguing that Hunter was unfairly targeted due to his family connections. He added, “It is clear that Hunter was treated differently,” citing the influence of political opponents who pushed for the charges. Biden noted that such offenses are typically resolved without criminal charges, especially for individuals struggling with addiction.
While Republicans have seized upon Hunter Biden’s past issues—ranging from substance abuse to allegations of corruption in foreign dealings—the pardon has further fueled partisan tensions. Critics, including Republican figures like Representative James Comer, have lambasted the decision, accusing the Bidens of evading accountability.
Hunter Biden, who has been sober for over five years, acknowledged his mistakes during his addiction, stating he took full responsibility for his actions. He emphasized that he would not take the pardon for granted, expressing a desire to support others facing similar struggles.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for both Joe Biden and his son, as it intertwines personal and political ramifications. The pardon also highlights the ongoing legal challenges surrounding Hunter Biden, who has long been a target of GOP investigations. The move is expected to influence public discourse, with political analysts noting its potential implications on Biden’s presidential legacy.
Joe Biden Grants Full Pardon to Son Hunter, Reversing Earlier Stance Amid Political Backlash
In a significant move, US President Joe Biden has issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden, effectively dismissing federal gun and tax charges against him. This reversal comes after Biden had previously expressed his reluctance to use his executive authority to pardon his son, signaling a shift in his stance following growing political pressure and scrutiny.
The charges stem from a federal gun case in which Hunter Biden was convicted in June 2024 for making false statements on a gun-purchase form. Additionally, he had pleaded guilty to multiple tax offenses in September. With sentencing hearings scheduled for December 2024, the pardon preempts any penalties, sparking both support and criticism.
In a statement released by the White House, President Biden criticized the selective nature of the prosecution, arguing that Hunter was unfairly targeted due to his family connections. He added, “It is clear that Hunter was treated differently,” citing the influence of political opponents who pushed for the charges. Biden noted that such offenses are typically resolved without criminal charges, especially for individuals struggling with addiction.
While Republicans have seized upon Hunter Biden’s past issues—ranging from substance abuse to allegations of corruption in foreign dealings—the pardon has further fueled partisan tensions. Critics, including Republican figures like Representative James Comer, have lambasted the decision, accusing the Bidens of evading accountability.
Hunter Biden, who has been sober for over five years, acknowledged his mistakes during his addiction, stating he took full responsibility for his actions. He emphasized that he would not take the pardon for granted, expressing a desire to support others facing similar struggles.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for both Joe Biden and his son, as it intertwines personal and political ramifications. The pardon also highlights the ongoing legal challenges surrounding Hunter Biden, who has long been a target of GOP investigations. The move is expected to influence public discourse, with political analysts noting its potential implications on Biden’s presidential legacy.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.