United States President Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for firearms and tax-related convictions, despite previously vowing not to use his presidential authority for clemency.
On Sunday, Biden stated that Hunter had been “singled out” and “selectively, and unfairly” prosecuted because of his family name.
“There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution,” Biden said in a statement issued by the White House.
“In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.”
Explaining his decision, Biden emphasized his commitment to truth and fairness throughout his career. He said he hoped the American public would understand the reasoning behind his actions.
“I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”
The announcement arrives just weeks before Hunter was scheduled to face sentencing for multiple felonies, including providing false information about drug use on a gun background check form and failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.
Critics have already begun to question the independence of the U.S. justice system, a debate that could intensify following this decision. Concerns about the impartiality of law enforcement have grown as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has faced accusations of intending to leverage government agencies, staffed with loyalists, to investigate and potentially prosecute political opponents.
Biden’s decision adds a new layer of controversy to an already contentious political landscape. While his supporters may see the pardon as a demonstration of loyalty and fairness, opponents argue it undermines the principle of equal justice under the law.
