In an unexpected Sunday-night move Joe Biden used his presidential power to pardon his son Hunter Biden‚ who faced serious legal problems (both tax and gun-related charges in Delaware and California)
This decision — which shields the younger Biden from possible jail-time — goes against the presidents earlier words: he had stated he wouldnt use his position to help family members. The timing raises questions as its just weeks before Hunter Bidens planned sentencing
The pardon comes at a specific moment in US politics; with Donald Trump set to move back into the White-House in about 2 months. This executive action covers several legal issues:
- Federal gun charges from Delaware case
- Tax-related problems from California investigation
The presidents choice to use his pardoning abilities shows a change from his past position on family matters‚ happening during his final weeks in office