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.

    • octopus_ink@lemmy.mlEnglish
      7·
      14 hours ago

      Just gonna copy paste this response from @mhague@mhague@lemmy.world because it happened to sort right next to yours and is the obvious reply (edit - not reason, reply, fixed) for this.

      Republicans seemed to have successfully done a false equivalency. They lied about witch hunts and then did one, and then when the president swatted it away people reacted with, “Oh, they’re both the same.”

      Trump pardons traitors, insurrectionists, Nazis. A witch hunt victim is in the same league, because family I guess. Not like that was the reason for the witch hunt or anything!

      Regardless, when I get to 82 years old, if I have the chance to keep my son out of the grip of a president who has vowed revenge and retribution on all his political opponents, AND get a couple more years with him before I die, you can bet I’m taking it. Damn what anyone thinks about it.

    • deaf_fish@lemm.ee
      6·
      15 hours ago

      Yes it is hypocrisy, but honestly it would be more terrifying if he didn’t do it. What kind of robot would you have to be to feed you kid to the wolfs?