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.

  • Slueth@lemmyusa.com
    199·
    13 days ago

    Pardoning family members is corrupt plain and simple. Justifying those actions based on the actions of others does not make it any less corrupt.

    Loosing your ethical integrity in an effort to “get even” only favors extremists who do not care about a country. I suggest everyone reading this take an objective look at the situation and see where we’re headed.

    • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
      157·
      13 days ago

      I don’t think it’s that simple, if the only reason your family members were persecuted was for political reasons to begin with. Let’s not pretend that conservatives actually care about this law, if they did then most of their influencers and celebrities would be in prison for this. You could start with Joe Rogan who talks all the time about his drug use and hunting past times.

      • Cleggory@lemmy.world
        86·
        13 days ago

        The mental gymnastics are endless amongst the establishment. Using addiction as a cover for corruption is just par huh.

        A summary of the charges and convictions of Hunter Biden:

        Gun Charge Conviction: Hunter Biden was convicted of three felony counts for lying on a federal firearms application. He pleaded guilty to making a false statement, saying he was not a drug user, and illegally possessing a firearm for 11 days.

        Tax Convictions: Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in Los Angeles, including three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses. He failed to pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes for tax years 2016-2019 and filed false returns.

        Plea Deal: Initially, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to the tax charges and faced a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.