Biden Pardons Son Hunter Ahead of Sentencing
WASHNGTON (AP) — In a move that marks a significant departure from previous statements, President Joe Biden granted a presidential pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday night. This decision spares Hunter from potential prison time related to federal felony gun and tax convictions, reversing the president’s earlier commitments not to use his presidential powers for his family’s benefit.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles began in December 2020, with a federal investigation surfacing soon after his father’s 2020 election victory. In June, President Biden stated that he would not pardon his son, maintaining respect for the legal process. However, as Hunter was facing sentencing for gun-related felonies and had pleaded guilty to tax charges, Biden shifted his stance.
In his announcement, President Biden claimed that the prosecution against his son was politically motivated, describing it as a “miscarriage of justice” instigated by political opponents. "Hunter was singled out only because he is my son," he asserted, arguing that the charges arose amidst political attacks against him.
Hunter, who faced a potential 17 years for tax offenses and 25 years for the gun charges, opted to plead guilty to lesser counts to minimize familial distress, citing personal struggles with addiction that had been made public during the trial process. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for the pardon and emphasized his commitment to helping others dealing with addiction.
As the political landscape shifts in the lead-up to President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Biden’s decision raises questions about the promise of impartial judicial processes and the intersection of family and politics in the current administration.
— By Zeke Miller and Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press
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