Lagatar24 Desk
Washington, D.C.: In a dramatic reversal, U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday issued a “full and unconditional” pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering federal crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This includes charges of gun and tax fraud that had been the focus of Republican scrutiny and media attention.
The pardon nullifies Hunter Biden’s sentencing for tax and gun-related convictions scheduled for December, effectively preventing imprisonment. Court hearings tied to these cases are also expected to be canceled.
President Biden explained his decision during an official announcement, stating, “Hunter was treated differently from others who commit similar crimes. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision.”
A Father’s Struggle
The pardon represents a significant shift from Biden’s earlier stance that he would not use presidential powers to shield his son. The president cited the “unfair targeting” of Hunter by political opponents, including former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, as a driving force behind his decision.
Hunter Biden, who served on the board of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma during the period covered by the pardon, had faced allegations of improper foreign business dealings. In June, he was convicted of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm while struggling with drug addiction and personal challenges. He later admitted to tax violations for failing to pay taxes on $1.4 million in income.
The President’s Justification
President Biden emphasized that Hunter’s five and a half years of sobriety and the ongoing attacks from political opponents influenced his decision. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong,” Biden stated.
A White House official echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Hunter was targeted to undermine President Biden politically. The official described the decision as “difficult,” adding that Biden spent the Thanksgiving weekend with his family, including Hunter, before reaching a conclusion.
Impact of the Pardon
The pardon covers Hunter Biden’s time at Burisma and other allegations, ensuring no further prosecutions for federal crimes during the specified period. It also draws a line under a legal saga that began in 2018 under then-U.S. Attorney David Weiss.
While Republicans are likely to view the pardon as controversial, the Biden administration has framed it as an act of fairness and familial duty.
