Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden reversed past promises not to use presidential prerogatives to benefit his family, pardoning his son Hunter on Sunday night for federal felony firearms and tax convictions. He was spared a possible prison sentence.
Biden previously said he had no intention of pardoning or commuting his son’s sentence after he was convicted in two cases in Delaware and California.
The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden is scheduled to be punished following his trial conviction in a gun case and guilty plea to tax charges, and ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House. It took place within two months.
This ends a years-long legal battle over President Joe Biden’s son. Hunter Biden publicly revealed in December 2020 that he was under federal investigation, just one month after his father won the 2020 presidential election.
Biden withdraws his promise
In June, Biden flatly ruled out pardoning or commuting his son’s sentence. As Hunter stands trial in a gun-related case in Delaware, Biden told reporters: “I will abide by the jury’s decision. I will and I will not forgive him.”
More recently, on November 8, just days after Donald Trump’s victory, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that Hunter Biden would not be granted any pardon or pardon. We’ve been asked that question many times. Our answer is no.”
But President Biden announced in a statement Sunday night, “Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” calling the charges politically motivated and a “miscarriage of justice.”
“The charges in his case only arose after several of my political opponents in Congress attacked me and incited me to contest my election,” he added, adding, “No reasonable person could consider the facts of Hunter’s case.” No human being can come to any conclusion other than that Hunter was.” He was chosen simply because he is my son,” Biden further explained.
“I hope the American people understand why our father and president came to this decision,” he continued, explaining that he made the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend he spent with Hunter and his family in Nantucket, Massachusetts. pointed out.
