President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted federal weapons charges and the verdict is in December.
Although the White House confirmed last month that the president had no plans to pardon his son, it was announced Sunday afternoon that he had been pardoned.
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, leaves court after pleading guilty to tax fraud on Sept. 5, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
In a statement, he said: “Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” who he “miscarried justice for.”
“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 when I saw my son being prosecuted selectively and unfairly,” he wrote.
President Biden also cited “political opponents in Congress” for pushing for the charges and for ensuring that the plea deal struck in July fell through in August.
The statement concluded: “Here’s the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I’ve struggled with this, I believe crude politics has tainted this process and led to a miscarriage of justice, and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no point in waiting any longer.” I want Americans to understand why a father and a president would come to this decision.”
In the summer, a jury found the younger Biden guilty of three counts of purchasing and possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs. And in September, Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to nine tax-related charges, including three felonies, on the eve of what was expected to be a long and tough trial.
On the tax charges, Hunter Biden faced 17 years in federal prison and $1.35 million in fines. His gun-related conviction could carry up to 25 years in prison.
Hunter Biden was expected to be sentenced in two cases in the coming weeks: Dec. 12 on gun charges in Delaware, and Dec. 16 on tax charges in California.
Hunter Biden leaves federal court in Wilmington, Del., on July 26, 2023, after pleading guilty to two felony counts of willful failure to pay income taxes.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters, FILE
Asked about the president’s intentions to pardon Hunter Biden on Nov. 7, shortly after the election results came in Donald Trump’s favor, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We’ve been asked the question many times. Our answer. standing up, is no.”
He declined to comment on other pardons the president may issue before the end of his term, including for administration officials or individuals threatened with legal action by President-elect Donald Trump.
President Biden previously told ABC News’ David Muir that he had no plans to pardon his son, in an interview held in June.
He said then that he would accept the results of the trial.
in one White House speech In June, President Biden also stated, “I’m very proud of my son Hunter. He’s overcome an addiction. He’s one of the brightest, most decent men I know.”
He added: “I said I would abide by the jury’s decision, and I will. And I will not forgive him.”
President Joe Biden with Hunter Biden leaves a bookstore in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on November 29, 2024.
Craig Hudson/Reuters
Hunter Biden was spotted vacationing with his family in Nantucket last week.
He released a statement on Sunday, saying: “During the darkest days of my addiction I have accepted and taken responsibility for my mistakes – mistakes that have been used to publicly humiliate and embarrass me and my family for political sport. Despite it all, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years in my faith because of the deep and constant love and support of my family and friends.I wasted many opportunities and advantages in recovery to make amends as much as possible and our lives We can give him a chance to rebuild, if we never have the mercy that has been given to us.”
The statement continued: “I will never take for granted the grace given to me today and I will devote my rebuilt life to helping those who are still sick and suffering.”
Within an hour of President Biden’s pardon, Hunter Biden’s legal team filed notices in court in two criminal cases. The lawyers wrote: “The President’s pardon for Mr. Biden in this case is pending and has yet to be adjudicated and decided not to go to trial, and requires an automatic dismissal of the indictment with prejudice.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
