United States President, Joe Biden gas pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing for two criminal cases, despite previously promising not to interfere in his legal matters.
In a statement on Sunday, Biden said: “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.”
The decision has sparked debate over the impartiality of the U.S. judicial system, particularly as incoming President Donald Trump prepares to appoint allies to lead the FBI and Justice Department.
Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year of lying about his drug use on a gun purchase form — a felony — and had also pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion case, though sentencing had not yet occurred.
Joe Biden, who is wrapping up his presidency before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, had consistently stated he would not pardon his son.
“I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” Biden explained in his statement.
He accused political opponents of using Hunter’s legal troubles as a weapon against him, stating, “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.
“I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” he added.
The pardon comes as President-elect Trump’s own legal battles have stalled following a Supreme Court ruling granting sweeping presidential immunity, effectively ensuring he won’t face jail time, even after being convicted in May of falsifying business records.
Hunter Biden, who pleaded guilty in a tax evasion case in September, faced up to 17 years in prison. The separate gun charge carried a potential 25-year sentence. His legal team argued he was only prosecuted because of his family ties.
Hunter had paid back his owed taxes and penalties and previously negotiated a plea deal to avoid jail time, though that agreement collapsed.
Prosecutors also rejected an “Alford plea,” which would have allowed him to admit guilt for conviction purposes while maintaining innocence.
Hunter Biden’s struggles have been a political challenge for the Biden family, particularly during an election year when Republicans accused the Justice Department of leniency.
However, Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris cooled some of the partisan attacks.
In a statement, Hunter Biden, who has battled drug addiction, said he plans to dedicate his life to supporting others facing similar struggles.
“I will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering,” he said.
Meanwhile, President-elect, Donald Trump has warned the BRICS nations that they will face a 100% tariff if they attempt to replace the US dollar.
