Surprise has rippled across Washington as President Joe Biden has made the extraordinary decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.
The announcement, expected Sunday night, was confirmed by a senior White House official. This reversal comes after Biden repeatedly vowed not to use his executive power to pardon Hunter, even stating unequivocally in June, “I will not pardon him,” after Hunter was convicted on federal gun charges. The pardon reportedly extends to both the gun conviction and Hunter’s guilty plea on tax evasion charges, ensuring he will not serve time in prison.
The timing could not be more fitting. With Hunter’s sentencing dates, December 12th for the gun charges and December 16th for tax evasion, fast approaching, this decision has ignited fierce debate. It also comes at the twilight of Biden’s term, with no future election campaigns on the horizon to constrain his actions. Yet, as recently as this month, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and First Lady Jill Biden firmly reiterated the president’s stance against clemency, declaring their respect for the judicial process.
Critics have called out the move. Republicans, already accusing the Biden family of corruption and special treatment, are sure to amplify their attacks.
“If this isn’t political interference, what is?” one GOP aide reportedly remarked.
The pardon could also create political ripples for Vice President Kamala Harris, who led the Democratic ticket after Biden dropped out in July.
