Biden pardons Hunter ahead of exit from Oval Office

President Biden made a controversial decision on Sunday night to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after the first son was convicted in two separate federal cases earlier this year. The White House announced the pardon in a statement released to the press.

In the statement, President Biden expressed his belief that his son was unfairly prosecuted and treated differently in the criminal justice system. He highlighted the fact that individuals with similar circumstances to Hunter’s are typically given non-criminal resolutions, and it was clear to him that his son was treated unfairly.

Hunter Biden, 54, faced a tumultuous year in court, starting with a trial in Delaware in June where he faced three felony firearm offenses. He later pleaded guilty in a separate felony tax case in September. The President’s decision to pardon his son comes as a surprise, given his previous statements to the media where he vowed not to interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making process.

In the gun case, Hunter was found guilty of making false statements in the purchase of a gun and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Prosecutors worked diligently to prove that Hunter lied on a federal firearm form, indicating that he was not an unlawful user of substances or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter’s well-documented history of drug abuse, as detailed in his memoir “Beautiful Things,” played a significant role in the trial.

Despite the defense’s argument that Hunter did not consider himself an active drug addict at the time of the gun purchase, prosecutors highlighted evidence of his ongoing addiction. Text messages sent by Hunter shortly after the gun purchase indicated his continued drug use, further reinforcing the prosecution’s case.

In a separate trial for tax offenses, Hunter entered a surprise guilty plea as jury selection was about to begin. The charges carried a potential sentence of 17 years behind bars, but Hunter was likely to receive a much shorter sentence under federal sentencing guidelines. President Biden’s decision to pardon his son comes after mounting pressure and speculation surrounding his potential intervention in Hunter’s legal troubles.

The decision to pardon Hunter Biden has sparked controversy and divided opinions, with critics questioning the fairness of the pardon and its implications for the criminal justice system. President Biden’s actions have raised concerns about the influence of political connections and privilege in legal proceedings. As the news of the pardon spreads, the debate over justice, accountability, and presidential powers continues to unfold.