Washington: President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, marking a shift from his earlier stance to remain uninvolved in his son’s legal matters. Hunter Biden, who had admitted to tax violations and faced firearms-related charges, received a full and unconditional pardon for offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.
"Today, I granted a pardon to my son Hunter," Biden stated, emphasizing his commitment to avoiding interference in Justice Department actions while condemning what he described as selective and unfair prosecution of his son. The White House had consistently stated that Biden would not extend clemency to Hunter, who has been a focal point of Republican criticism, including from former President Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden, a recovering addict, had pleaded guilty earlier this year to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes during a period marked by excessive spending on drugs, luxury items, and sex workers. He was also convicted on charges related to providing false information on a firearms form. Despite his legal troubles, Hunter expressed gratitude for the clemency, acknowledging past mistakes and vowing to dedicate his life to aiding others battling addiction.
Republicans quickly criticized the president’s decision. Trump, on his Truth Social platform, questioned whether the pardon extended to individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riots, labeling the move an abuse of power. Representative James Comer, chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, accused Biden of dishonesty regarding his family’s activities and denounced the pardon as politically motivated.
Biden defended his decision, arguing that his son faced disproportionate legal scrutiny compared to others in similar situations. He pointed out that felony charges related to firearms forms are rarely prosecuted and that cases involving late tax payments due to addiction typically result in non-criminal resolutions. "This was not justice," Biden said, asserting that the charges against Hunter were instigated by political opponents aiming to undermine him personally and politically.
The president also reflected on the emotional toll of the situation, citing the loss of his son Beau in 2015 and the ongoing attacks against Hunter. "In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me," he stated, adding, "Enough is enough."
Biden revealed that his decision was finalized over the Thanksgiving holiday, which he spent with his family, including Hunter, in Massachusetts. "I believe in the justice system," Biden concluded, "but I also believe this process was corrupted by raw politics. As a father and as a president, this decision was unavoidable, and I hope the American people can understand why."