Washington D.C: Suddenly and unexpectedly, Presiden Joe Biden has granted “a full and unconditional pardon” to his son Hunter Biden, who has been convicted of tax fraud and unlawful possession of firearms and received a lot of political criticism. This decision has been made at the time which is only several weeks before Biden’s term will end and before January when Donald Trump, the President-elect, will take his place.
In an evening statement on Sunday, President Biden made the announcement of pardoning Hunter and also explained why he did that noting the charges levelled against his son are politically motivated. On this day, Biden has used the presidential prerogative by signing a pardon for his son Hunter. Initially, when assuming the office, I made a point not to interfere with Justice Department’s operations and to this date I have not.” But in this case I have seen my son being politically arrested and charged selectively and not because he was guilty of the charges preferred against him.
As such, the pardon amid controversies covers Hunter Biden for any offences committed between 1 January 2014 and 1 December 2024 and sparked what critics said as the president ditching the earlier promises of keeping his executive powers from one-sided protectionism of his family. Since beginning of his presidency, Biden had consistently declare that he would not interfere in legal issues involving his son.
In his explanation, Biden defended his son and accused his enemies of making the young man’s problems worse just to make problems for him, the president. First of all I saw unfair treatment in the manner that Hunter was treated just because he is my son. Politics has taken root in this process and justice has been served poorly,” the president fumed. Biden also pointed that the plea deal that was arranged this summer had failed to work owing to increasing political pressure from his opponents.
I have spent my entire career proving something that is true. Yes, and the truth of it here is that all efforts made to dismantle Hunter have been efforts to dismantle me. Enough is enough. But I pray the people of America will understand why a father or a president may have had to make such decision, said Biden.
Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles
Hunter Biden, a 54-year-old man, was not a saint as he was charged with tax fraud and other federal offences related to firearms. Earlier this year, he copped a plea and admitted to not paying income tax for several years, and in his federal gun charges, he was convicted of possessing a firearm while being a drug addict. The possible sentences for these convictions ranged to a maximum equivalent of 42 years of imprisonment.
In his statement issued a few days after the pardon, Hunter Biden admitted his past misconduct, which he attributed to multiple substance abuse. During the murder and manslaughter he said: “I am to blame for my behaviour in the darkest years of my life.” But in recovery, we have the opportunity for the rebuilding; and the life which I have been able to construct for me shall then be spent in the helping of those who still continue to be in the throes of suffering.
Hunter Biden said he agreed that he has been sober for more than five years and emphasised that his family did not abandon him during the time of his problems.
The decision has stirred a lot of controversy along both ends of the political spectrum. Critics from Republican camp were not slow to react, with calumny against Biden for abusing the presidency’s prerogatives for self-serving cover-ups of his family. Steven Cheung, a spokesman for President-elect Trump deplored the pardon saying, “This is clear evidence that the Justice Department was weaponized by the Democrats.” So, let us wait for the new president, President Trump, he will be fair in the system.”
Meanwhile, lawyers state that the broad nature of a pardon was required to shield Hunter Biden from other probes under the next Trump administration.
Perhaps more presposterous, or at least equally as preposterous, is the timing of the pardon. Earlier this year, people were surprised when Biden did not pardon Hunter, some theorising that the decision was designed to keep any political blowback contained prior to the November elections. But issuing it after he dropped the bid for re-election, Biden has shown that he would protect the family’s interest before exiting the White House.
While clearing the sleaze of Hunter Biden we witness new controversies surrounding presidential pardons and impartiality of the American justice system. Frankly, for Joe Biden the decision was a question of conscience, but the political implications of his decision will remain in force.
As Biden gets set to hand over the reigns of the presidency, this arguably contentious act of clemency would go down in history as one of the most contentious during Biden’s term as President.
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