The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

    • sushibowl@feddit.nl
      121·
      21 days ago

      I see the “Republican are always giving up moral superiority to gain an advantage so Democrats should do it too” argument. But at least get something worthwhile for selling your soul. Like, if you’re packing the supreme court you can at least protect abortion rights properly. If you nuke the senate filibuster you can pass some decent healthcare laws, or tax the rich maybe. Pardoning Hunter does nothing for anyone except the Biden family.

      Joe is acknowledging that the justice system sucks and powers that be can decide to fuck you over with it any time, but instead of abusing his power to try and fix it, he’s just bailing out his loved ones and then riding off into the sunset, leaving the rest of us to get fucked over. That’s stupid.

      • DarkFuture@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        20 days ago

        Pardoning Hunter does nothing for anyone except the Biden family.

        So?

        Guy was an actual good president. Anyone that’s done their homework knows that. And he got fucking shafted by a stupid populace.

        You think he should now respect that stupid populace by leaving his son in prison for non-violent crimes while a criminal president who explicitly stated he would target his political opponents sits in the Oval Office?

        Nah dawg.

        And late-term pardons are not some new thing. It’s only news now because a Democrat did it and Democrats have always been held to a higher standard. And that shit needs to change because in America taking the high road doesn’t benefit you in any way.