WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for federal gun and tax crimes has elicited strong reactions, primarily from Republican lawmakers. Critics assert that the move sets a troubling precedent for clemency in future administrations.

In a statement released on Sunday, Biden explained the rationale behind his change of heart regarding a pardon for his son. He claimed Hunter has been unfairly targeted by Republican investigators, noting that inquiries began shortly after Biden’s election in December 2020. The pardon covers any offenses committed by Hunter Biden from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.

“No reasonable person can argue that Hunter was not singled out due to his relationship with me, and that is wrong,” Biden stated.

Former President Donald Trump responded on his social media platform, TruthSocial, decrying the pardon as an “abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” He questioned whether it might extend to those arrested during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, indicating a possible double standard in the application of justice.

With this pardon, Biden joins the ranks of Trump and former President Bill Clinton, both of whom pardoned family members during their respective presidencies. However, Biden’s clemency rate is notably low; he has granted 26 pardons, compared to Trump’s 143 and Obama’s 212. Currently, over 10,500 clemency petitions are pending review at the White House.

Advocacy groups are urging Biden to use his clemency power to address the plight of individuals on federal death row, especially as Trump looks poised to return to power. Progressive leaders argue that Biden should extend the same kindness to those with pending petitions as he did to Hunter.

Hunter Biden’s legal troubles stem from a 2018 incident involving a gun purchase, where he reportedly lied on an application regarding drug use. This year, he was convicted on federal charges, leading to heightened scrutiny from Republicans, who allege widespread corruption within the Biden family.

The pardon has provided new ammunition for GOP critics who argue it contradicts Biden’s previous declarations of non-intervention in his son’s legal matters. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer described the situation as “blatant corruption,” reiterating Republican claims of a pattern of misconduct by the Biden family.

While many Democrats have remained reticent, a few are voicing their disagreement. Ohio’s Greg Landsman acknowledged the complexity of the situation, expressing concern for public trust in government. Arizona’s Greg Stanton criticized the pardon, stating it undermines accountability in the justice system.

The reactions from Democrats varied; some saw the pardon as a failure to adhere to principles of justice. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet emphasized that the decision diminishes public faith in an equitable legal system. Meanwhile, Michigan’s Gary Peters remarked that special treatment for political allies undermines governmental integrity.

Trump also faced scrutiny for his controversial pardons, which included figures like Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, showcasing parallels drawn by critics regarding the use of presidential clemency.

Last updated 1:57 p.m., Dec. 2, 2024