The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

  • mdurell@lemmy.world
    22·
    2 days ago

    Of course he did. If you thought otherwise you were gullible. Politicians lie and party affiliation makes no difference. Save the outrage for the truly outrageous things the next 4 years are going to bring.

    • blockheadjt@sh.itjust.works
      5·
      2 days ago

      Insurrection and selling many pardons for $2m each vs giving one pardon… “party affiliation makes no difference” ok troll

      • mdurell@lemmy.world
        3·
        2 days ago

        You take half my sentence and twist it to fit your narrative and I’m the troll?

        You, my friend, are part of the problem.

    • ToastedPlanet@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      Thanks, this comment is an excellent example of why this pardon is so frustrating. Nepotism is not normal. This pardon is not normal. But if you didn’t know better, you could easily be swayed by this nonsensical comment.

      We now have to defend against this kind of rhetoric thanks to Joe Biden.

      • candybrie@lemmy.world
        4·
        2 days ago

        Clinton pardoned his brother for selling cocaine. It’s not like this is the first time a Democrat has done this.

        • ToastedPlanet@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          1·
          2 days ago

          Clinton pardoned his brother for selling cocaine. It’s not like this is the first time a Democrat has done this.

          I didn’t know Clinton did that. Some how the Republicans in my life never mentioned that one. It wasn’t good when Clinton did it either though.

          Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden is more notable because Democrats made it a part of their messaging that Biden wouldn’t pardon Hunter Biden. It was their moral line and Biden crossed it as soon as he had nothing left to lose. John explained it best, thankfully.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5BcIHPMAHw