Joe Biden’s surprise pardon for son Hunter sparks controversy

President Biden reportedly plans to pardon his son Hunter for tax evasion and gun charges in a controversial move.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of gun-related charges and pleaded guilty to federal tax offenses earlier this year. 

The pardon was confirmed in a statement from the White House."Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," Biden said, asserting that he has upheld his promise not to interfere with the Justice Department’s decisions. However, he criticized what he described as "selective and unfair prosecution" targeting his son due to their familial connection.

Hunter Biden, a recovering drug addict who has been sober for over five years, faced scrutiny and legal challenges that Biden characterized as politically motivated. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son," Biden stated.

The president noted that the decision was made during the Thanksgiving weekend, which the Biden family spent in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden and other family members, returned to Washington Saturday night.

Explaining his reasoning, Biden said, "I believe in the justice system, but raw politics has infected this process, leading to a miscarriage of justice." He added, "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision."

The pardon has already sparked widespread controversy, with critics accusing Biden of favoritism while supporters argue it reflects the politicization of the justice system. As the decision reverberates across political circles, Biden’s move is expected to fuel further debates about justice and accountability.