News Brief
'Miscarriage Of Justice': Critics Slam Biden For Pardoning Son Hunter In Multiple Cases; Trump Vows Retaliation
US President Joe Biden.
In a decision that shocked many and drew sharp political reactions, President Joe Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday night.
The pardon covers all offenses Hunter committed or "may have committed" between 1 January 2014, and 1 December 2024. This includes a federal conviction for illegally buying a gun and tax evasion.
The announcement marked a significant shift for President Biden, who has long championed the independence of the justice system. In a statement from the White House, Biden defended his decision, citing the politically charged nature of the charges against his son.
“The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” he stated. Biden emphasised that the attacks on Hunter were part of a broader effort to harm him politically, calling it a "miscarriage of justice."
Biden also highlighted Hunter’s journey to sobriety, stating, “Hunter — who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution — has been targeted to break me.” He concluded with a plea for understanding, saying, “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision.”
Trump labeled the pardon “Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Tesla CEO Elon Musk echoed similar sentiments, sharing a critique via Community Notes on X that accused Biden of placing Hunter “above the law."
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley expressed his disbelief on social media, writing, “I’m shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter bc he said many many times he wouldn’t & I believed him. Shame on me.” Jenna Ellis, a Trump ally, mocked the decision, calling Hunter one of three "turkeys" pardoned by Biden this Thanksgiving season.
Democratic strategist Meghan Hays defended Biden, pointing to his personal losses. “The president lost two children already and he does not need to lose another one,” she said.
Biden’s decision, while personal, has reignited debates over the balance between justice, political influence, and family loyalty as his presidency and five-decade career was built in part on the idea that he would never interfere with the administration of justice.
