Washington D C, USA – Outgoing US President Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, following his conviction on federal gun and tax-related charges. The controversial decision, made just weeks before Hunter was due to be sentenced, has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of hypocrisy from political opponents and even some allies.

The pardon spares Hunter Biden from a potential prison sentence stemming from his guilty plea to tax offences and a trial conviction on gun charges. In a statement sent via email to the Associated Press, Hunter expressed gratitude for the relief, pledging to dedicate his life to aiding others facing similar struggles.

“I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction — mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,” he stated.

President Biden defends his decision

President Biden characterised his son’s legal troubles as the result of politically motivated targeting, calling the conviction a “miscarriage of justice.”

“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,” he declared.

Biden claimed the charges were instigated by his political opponents in Congress as part of a broader effort to undermine him. He added that the decision to issue the pardon was made during the Thanksgiving holiday, when the Biden family gathered in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

“There has been an effort to break Hunter — who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me. Enough is enough,” Biden said.

Contradiction of earlier promises

The move is at odds with the president’s earlier assurances that he would not use his pardon powers to benefit family members. As recently as November, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reaffirmed this position, stating, “Our answer stands, which is no.”

Republican and Democratic reactions

Republicans were quick to condemn the pardon. President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20, 2025, called it an “abuse and miscarriage of justice.” On his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised Biden’s decision and questioned whether the pardon extended to individuals imprisoned for their role in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.

Several Republican lawmakers echoed Trump’s outrage. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Biden of being “a liar and a hypocrite,” while Congressman Andy Biggs described him as “one of the most corrupt presidents in American history.”

Criticism also came from within Biden’s own party. Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment, stating, “While as a father I certainly understand President Joe Biden’s natural desire to help his son, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country.” Polis warned that the pardon sets a concerning precedent that could erode trust in future administrations.

Political implications

The pardon, which comes as Biden prepares to leave office, has further inflamed partisan divisions in Washington. While Hunter Biden has pledged to use his second chance to support others, the decision has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the president’s final days in office, raising questions about the boundaries of executive authority and personal loyalty.

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