On December 2, President Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden. Pardons remain one of the most controversial powers granted to a president, and the most recent one sparked a lot of controversies. Many questions have been raised about Hunter’s allegations and how this pardon will affect the allegations against President-Elect Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden’s Allegations
Biden was accused of tax evasion, improper foreign business deals and gun possession. President Biden said he issued this pardon because his son was being “unfairly targeted for political purposes.” The pardon shields Hunter from legal consequences but places President Biden under an ethical microscope as his morals are being challenged. Many people on both sides of the political spectrum are infuriated by this decision.
Back in June, President Biden announced to the jury that he would not use his political power to pardon his son. President Biden has always denied involvement in Hunter Biden’s dealings and other behavior.
“I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction–mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,”
Hunter Biden
A Gift To Donald Trump
The political ramifications of this pardon extend far beyond Hunter Biden. Democratic Sen. Bennet says Biden’s pardon is “a gift to Donald Trump.” President-Elect Trump faces several allegations, including charges related to classified documents, election interference and financial misconduct. President Biden’s decision weakens Democrats’ moral high ground and allows Trump defenders to claim a double standard or push for a similar pardon when he returns to office.
By pardoning his son, President Biden risks blurring the line between legal accountability and political protection. This could encourage President-Elect Trump and others accused of misconduct to argue that the justice system is weaponized against them. Many fear the pardon sets a precedent that future presidents might normalize pardons for personal or political allies.
The Rationale
President Biden originally said he was not going to issue a pardon for his son, but now that he did his intentions seem misleading. Many Americans are saying that it is a miscarriage of justice. President Biden is being criticized for letting his personal beliefs get in the way of his duty to American citizens.
The Los Angeles judge who was in charge of Biden’s case rebuked President Biden’s decision. U.S. District Judge, Mark Scarsi, said President Biden was defaming law enforcement and the justice system for issuing the pardon. The judge then claimed that part of the pardon may be considered unconstitutional.
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