On the first day of december President Joe Biden made an un-expected move by giving his son Hunter Biden a full pardon (which he previously said he wouldnt do). The president explained his choice saying the charges were part of political games
The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election
Hunter Biden faced serious legal trouble over lying about drug-use on gun-purchase papers back in 2018; plus tax-related issues. With Donald Trump becoming president-elect and his new justice team picks the situation looked pretty un-certain
Here are some other presidentʼs family pardons that happened before:
- Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger about 20 years ago
- Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner (his son-in-laws dad) around 4 years ago
- Gerald Ford gave Richard Nixon a very wide pardon 50 years ago
The new pardon caused lots of different reactions. Trump quickly posted on social media calling it “Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!“ Even some democrats like Colorado Gov Jared Polis showed their un-happiness with the choice
The constitution gives presidents power to pardon in Article II; Section 2 - its meant to help fix un-fair situations. Most pardons dont get much attention but some create big problems; like when Andrew Johnson pardoned Confederate soldiers after the Civil War
This pardon will probably be a big part of Bidens story as president. With Trump coming back to power soon many think this was done to protect Hunter from future problems; but others see it as putting family before country