President Biden Grants Pardons to Hunter on Gun and Tax Offenses

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he has decided to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. This marks a significant change from his earlier stance, where he indicated he would not use his executive powers to intervene in his son’s legal matters, which include gun-related charges and tax offenses.

In his statement, Biden expressed a deep belief in the justice system. However, he also indicated that he felt politics had tainted the legal process surrounding his son, leading to what he described as a miscarriage of justice. “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision,” he said.

Hunter Biden, the only surviving son of the president, has been a focal point for Republican scrutiny. Investigators sought to tie allegations of corruption to both him and his father, though no proof has emerged implicating the president in any wrongdoing. “No reasonable person…can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son,” Biden remarked.

The gun charge for Hunter arose from a 2018 incident where he lied on a gun purchase form, affirming he was not using illegal drugs at the time. He was using drugs while owning the firearm, which led to the charges that could have resulted in imprisonment. Additionally, he has faced federal tax charges in California, to which he has pleaded guilty.

This announcement comes as Biden approaches the conclusion of his first presidential term, while President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January. The political implications are not lost on observers, including U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky. Comer criticized the decision, claiming that Biden has misled the public regarding alleged corrupt activities linked to his family.