Şevval Tufan
President Joe Biden’s decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden has provoked sharp criticism within his own party, with many Democrats expressing disappointment at what they see as a reversal of Biden’s repeated assurances that such a pardon was not being considered.
For months, Biden has maintained that he would not use his presidential authority to pardon Hunter, who faces significant legal challenges, including convictions for illegally purchasing firearms while using drugs and nine counts of tax evasion. But on Sunday evening, after a family gathering for Thanksgiving, Biden announced the controversial pardon.
Image: Sky News
Democratic Divisions Emerge
Reactions from Democrats were not delayed. Ohio Representative Greg Landsman expressed his disappointment with the following words: ‘As a father, I understand, but as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, this is a setback.’ Colorado Senator Michael Bennet criticised the president for ‘putting personal interests ahead of duty’ and warned that the move could further undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Arizona Representative Greg Stanton, while respecting Biden, emphasised that Hunter Biden’s legal problems were not politically motivated. ‘Hunter committed serious crimes and was convicted by a jury of his peers,’ Stanton said, adding that the pardon undermines the belief in equal justice before the law.
Behind the Decision
Sources close to the White House have indicated that Hunter Biden and his legal team have long considered a pardon possible, despite the President’s public denials. In recent weeks, as Hunter’s sentencing approached, his lawyers distributed an extensive document outlining the timeline of the investigation and alluding to the political motives of Republican opponents, including former President Donald Trump.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged on Monday that Biden’s decision was partly influenced by Trump’s recent election victory, although she had stated firmly as recently as 7 November that a pardon was out of the question. Defending the President’s weekend comeback, Jean-Pierre described it as a reflection of his values as a father and leader.
Political and Historical Implications
Biden’s decision marks a historic moment, as no president has ever pardoned a close family member after publicly denying such intentions. While comparisons have been made to past presidential pardons, such as Bill Clinton’s pardon of his half-brother and Donald Trump’s pardon of Charles Kushner, Biden’s public denials set this case apart.
Critics within the administration argue that the backlash could have been mitigated if Biden had previously left room for ambiguity. ‘There were ways to avoid being so right about this,’ said a former senior West Wing aide. ‘He could have simply said, ‘We don’t spend our time thinking about this.’
Republican Reaction
Conservative commentators and Republican leaders were quick to criticise the pardon as evidence of a two-tier justice system. Accusing Biden of politicising the Justice Department, Trump described the move as a ‘shameful abuse of power’.
A Legacy at Stake
Biden’s decision underlines the delicate balance between personal loyalty and political legacy. While the pardon saves his son from prison, it raises questions about the president’s judgement and the potential political consequences for the Democratic Party as it prepares to face a newly elected Trump administration.
As Democrats grapple with the consequences of the president’s decision, Biden’s move could have a lasting impact on his presidency and the nation’s trust in its leaders.
News Source: CNN News
Image Source: SKY News
