Biden's unexpected move: Family pardon shakes up pre-inauguration politics
Just weeks before Trump takes office **Joe Biden** made an unexpected choice to pardon his son **Hunter**. This pre-holiday decision sparked wide-ranging reactions from both political sides
In a pre-holiday surprise Joe Biden gave his son Hunter a full pardon on dec 1st; this action went against his earlier statements about staying away from family-related legal matters
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 for tax-related issues and lying about drug-use on gun purchase papers back in 2018 (which couldʼve led to a 25-year jail term). With Donald Trumpʼs upcoming presidency and his pick of tough-on-biden officials the timing seems strategic
Looking at past examples presidents have pardoned family before: Bill Clinton helped his half-brother about 20 years ago‚ and Trump pardoned his in-laws father. However this situation feels different — Hunter hasnt served any time and sits at the center of political fights since trumps first impeachment
The pardons wording is super-broad; experts say its similar to when Ford pardoned Nixon about 50 years ago. Its like what Johnson said about the Gulf of Tonkin paper: it covers everything
Trump quickly jumped on social media calling it a “miscarriage of Justice!“ Even some democrats dont like it:
- Colorado Gov Jared Polis showed disappointment
- Journalist Jonathan Chait criticized the choice
- Many others point to bad timing
Some see this as a dad protecting his kid from whats coming after jan 20th. Others think its proof of deeper problems. Either way this move will stick to Bidens legacy forever
The presidentʼs pardon power comes from the Constitution and usually doesnt get much attention but sometimes – like with Ford pardoning Nixon or Bush Sr helping Iran-Contra folks – it creates big waves. Andrew Johnson made lots of people mad when he pardoned Confederate officials and Carter got heat for helping Vietnam draft avoiders
Looking at Bidens choice its partly about being a protective parent and partly sending a message about Trumps future plans. But the move might hurt more than help – giving Trump more ammo for his stories about corrupt politics
