President Biden announces his son's pardon, a decision to reverse past promises

According to media reports by ChainCatcher, President Biden declared a full pardon for his son Hunter Biden on December 1 of last year. This decision has sparked significant debate within the United States. Multiple American media analyses point out that this move contradicts Biden’s previous repeated statements that he would not use executive power to pardon his son or reduce his penalties.

Background and Legal Issues Surrounding the Pardon

A pardon is an authority granted as part of the president’s executive powers to exempt individuals convicted of crimes from legal responsibility. President Biden’s decision was made at a time when his son was facing several serious criminal charges. According to NBC, Hunter Biden was scheduled to be sentenced on federal gun violations on December 12 last year, and on December 16, he faced additional sentencing in another criminal case.

Multiple Charges Hunter Biden Faced

His legal troubles are not limited to a single incident. By September, Hunter Biden had admitted to nine federal tax violations. These charges involved multiple violations related to his income tax filings, posing significant legal risks due to their cumulative nature. The presidential pardon effectively removed all legal liabilities associated with these charges in one go.

Media Criticism of Inconsistencies

U.S. media outlets describe Biden’s decision as a “major policy shift.” Since taking office, the president has stated that he would not abuse executive power for family interests, yet this pardon directly challenges that principle. Media commentary suggests that Biden was forced to choose between his “personal stance” and his role as president, ultimately prioritizing his parental decision.

This issue continues to divide political opinion as President Biden approaches the final stages of his term.