Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden amid controversy
- Joe Biden granted a pardon to his son Hunter, who was facing serious gun and tax crime convictions.
- The announcement sparked significant backlash, highlighting concerns over abuse of power and favoritism.
- Critics from both political parties argue that this action undermines the integrity of the justice system.
In the United States, President Joe Biden announced a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, on December 1, 2024. This decision came amid ongoing scrutiny regarding Hunter's legal issues related to gun and tax fraud convictions. Hunter Biden had faced serious charges, including purchasing a firearm while addicted to drugs, which led to a jury conviction earlier that year. President Biden's pardon covers all potential crimes his son may have committed from 2014 to 2024, an action that contradicts earlier statements where he promised not to intervene in his son's legal matters. The backlash against this decision has been considerable and bipartisan, with critics arguing that it represents an abuse of power and favoritism, undermining the integrity of the justice system. Some Democratic lawmakers voiced disappointment, stating that this could set a concerning precedent regarding presidential pardons, while others noted the potential political motivations behind the timing of the pardon as Hunter Biden faced sentencing for his convictions.