In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum, US President Joe Biden has issued a presidential pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. The decision comes as Hunter faced sentencing in two high-profile federal cases—one involving gun ownership and the other tax-related charges.
The pardon has drawn criticism not only from political opponents but also from sections of the public and legal experts, who argue that it undermines the very principles of justice and accountability. This action, particularly because Joe Biden had earlier ruled out the possibility of intervening in his son’s legal troubles, raises important questions about the ethical boundaries of presidential power.
In this article, we explore what Hunter Biden was accused of, the implications of Joe Biden’s controversial decision, and why it has become such a divisive issue in American politics.
Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles
Hunter Biden’s legal woes began with two distinct federal cases, both of which drew significant public and media attention.
The Gun Ownership Case
In June 2023, Hunter Biden became the first child of a sitting US president to be criminally convicted. The case revolved around a gun purchase he made in 2018. When buying a handgun, he filled out a federal form that required him to disclose whether he was using illegal drugs. Hunter, who later admitted to struggling with substance abuse during that period, lied on the form and falsely claimed he was not using drugs.
The jury in Delaware found him guilty on three counts related to this false statement. The charges carried serious penalties, with the potential for up to 25 years in prison. Although legal experts suggested that Hunter was unlikely to face the maximum sentence, the case highlighted an egregious violation of federal gun laws.
The Tax Evasion Case
In a separate case, Hunter Biden faced charges related to his failure to pay taxes between 2016 and 2019.
He pled guilty in September to multiple charges, including failure to file and pay taxes, tax evasion, and filing a false return. Prosecutors alleged that he had avoided paying a significant amount of taxes during this period despite earning substantial income.
The tax charges, amounting to nine counts, carried a combined potential sentence of 17 years in prison. Similar to the gun case, experts predicted that Hunter would serve significantly less time and that the sentences from the two cases would likely run concurrently. Nonetheless, the charges painted a damning picture of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability on Hunter’s part.
Joe Biden’s U-Turn on Pardoning His Son
When Joe Biden assumed the presidency in January 2021, he promised to uphold the integrity of the Justice Department and avoid any interference in its decision-making process.
🚨BREAKING NEWS: Joe Biden has given his son, Hunter Biden, a complete pardon.
Who saw that one coming? 😳 pic.twitter.com/f0yZ3OaqLN— Marla Hohner (@marlahohner) December 2, 2024
His press secretary even criticised the last-minute pardons issued by his predecessor, Donald Trump, suggesting that Biden would use his clemency powers sparingly and judiciously.
Following Hunter’s conviction earlier this year, Joe Biden publicly stated that he would not issue a pardon for his son. This commitment was seen as an effort to maintain a clear boundary between personal and professional obligations, especially given the politically charged nature of Hunter’s legal troubles.
However, in a stunning reversal, Biden announced the pardon in December 2024, just weeks before Hunter was due to be sentenced. In his statement, Biden argued that his son had been unfairly targeted and subjected to a “miscarriage of justice.” He claimed that the cases against Hunter were politically motivated and designed to harm his presidency.
The Controversy Surrounding the Pardon
Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter has provoked widespread backlash from various quarters. Critics argue that the move sets a dangerous precedent, undermines the credibility of the justice system, and calls into question the impartiality of presidential pardons.
Accusations of Abuse of Power
One of the primary criticisms is that Biden’s pardon constitutes an abuse of presidential power. While the US Constitution grants presidents the authority to issue pardons, this power is traditionally reserved for cases where there is a clear miscarriage of justice or where leniency serves the public good. Critics contend that pardoning a close family member, especially in such high-profile cases, reeks of nepotism and raises ethical concerns.
Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden covers any potential crimes he may have committed since 2014, including crimes against children that the FBI helped cover up.
It is well known and documented that Hunter Biden keep hundreds of s*xualized photos of his under-13-year-old niece… pic.twitter.com/3TEdKLRnXA
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) December 2, 2024
Former President Donald Trump, a long-time political rival of Biden, was among the first to attack the decision. Trump accused Biden of hypocrisy, pointing out that Biden had previously criticised his own use of clemency powers. Trump’s supporters have also questioned whether Biden’s actions were meant to shield his family from further legal scrutiny.
Another major concern is the message the pardon sends about accountability. Hunter Biden’s legal troubles were not minor infractions; they involved serious allegations of criminal conduct. Critics argue that pardoning him effectively undermines the rule of law and sets a precedent that powerful individuals can escape accountability if they have the right connections.
The timing of the pardon has also drawn criticism. Hunter was awaiting sentencing, and many argue that the justice system should have been allowed to run its course. By intervening at this stage, Biden has been accused of interfering in due process and eroding public trust in the legal system.
Political Fallout
The decision has also sparked a political firestorm. Republicans have seized on the pardon as evidence of corruption and cronyism within the Biden administration. They argue that the president’s actions show a blatant disregard for ethical norms and reinforce their claims that the justice system is being weaponised for political purposes.
Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, despite the damning 630-page report, exposes the hollow facade of American democracy and justice.
Hypocrisy at its finest.pic.twitter.com/PHX2FZ0xuN— ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) December 2, 2024
Even some Democrats have expressed discomfort with the pardon, fearing that it could alienate voters and damage the party’s reputation. The move has provided ample ammunition for Biden’s opponents, who are likely to use it as a talking point in the 2024 presidential election.
Joe Biden’s pardon of his son goes beyond the immediate controversy and raises important questions about the limits of presidential power. While the Constitution grants presidents wide latitude in issuing pardons, this case highlights the potential for abuse when personal interests intersect with public duties.
