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.

  • 0xb
    71•9 days ago

    i would have said ‘no’ a little while ago but now fuck it, the people have spoken. the problem now is that he isn’t doing enough fuckery to benefit the people. supreme court declared that the president is above the law and he isn’t doing anything with that. sc did it for trump but biden could and should use it. literally send everything on the dod depot to ukraine, give unlimited funds to solar and wind, forgive every loan and shoot modafukin steve bannon in the face

    • Avid Amoeba
      25•9 days ago

      Agreed. Fuck 'em. I’d have been bothered if the system held accountable the horrible people that are about to come to power. At this point Hunter’s crimes look like a joke on this background.

      • Omega
        12•9 days ago

        His crimes were going away with the plea deal before the right set their sights on him.

    • @GBU_28@lemm.eeEnglish
      -15•9 days ago

      Unfortunately, what would that mean in a few months? Trump would have ALL shreds or pretence and standards removed. He’d pull an iraq Parliament, and arrest congresspersons right on the floor. Look up “Saddam purge”.

      Now, I’m not saying it won’t happen anyway, but Biden doing it now normalizes it then. The degree to which we give up systemic stability now, is permanent and relevant then. We would hope the sheer novelty / abnormality of trump acting so impulsively would trigger revolt, even from his “base”. That, or we get man-in-thehighcastle-ed and america is broken up as a result.

      None of that is good for global welfare.

      • @Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
        23•9 days ago

        It’s already normalized for the Republicans. Trump pardoned a family member and is now trying to appoint him as Ambassador to France.

        I say it’s about fucking time the Democrats start fighting fire with fire. I’m not honestly sure I’d be disappointed if Biden took Sotomayor’s dissent to heart and used it to solve our nations biggest problem right now, because you can be damn sure that Trump and his advisors will be doing it soon enough anyway. Might as well beat them to the punch a change.

        Taking the high road for the last 40+ years has clearly not worked.

        • @GBU_28@lemm.eeEnglish
          -4•9 days ago

          Biden shooting a political opponent is not normalized.

          Edit bunch of armchair warriors here on Lemmy.

          • Omega
            5•9 days ago

            They’re clearly saying that this is the opposite.

              • Omega
                3•9 days ago

                I think hypocrisy implies similarities in transgressions. And if you’re talking about that in this context it just shows your ignorance.

                • @Cleggory@lemmy.world
                  -10•9 days ago

                  ignorance

                  You’re projecting.

                  Quotes from President Joe Biden stating that he would not pardon his son Hunter Biden:

                  June 2023: In an interview with ABC News, Biden said, “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” (Source: {‘title’: ‘Biden pardons his son Hunter on gun and tax charges despite previously saying he wouldn’t’, …})
June 2023: At a speaking event, Biden explicitly stated, “I will not pardon him.” (Source: {‘title’: ‘Biden Pardons His Son Hunter Despite Saying He Wouldn’t’, …})
November 8, 2024: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the president’s stance, saying, “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” (Source: {‘title’: 'Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previously saying he wouldn’t’, …})
June 2023: In a statement, Biden said, “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. I will not pardon him.” (Source: {‘title’: ‘Statement from President Joe Biden’, …})
                  • Omega
                    6•9 days ago

                    That’s not hypocrisy. That’s dishonesty. Also, this is the whiniest shit to get upset about. If that was the worst thing Biden did, then he’d be a hell of a presidential figure. Of course he has funded genocide which will taint his legacy forever.

                    Good for him protecting his family though.