The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

  • astrsk@fedia.io
    26518·
    2 days ago

    The votes came in. The country chose corruption and “fuck it” politics. At this point Joe just wants to protect himself / family from the coming retribution administration.

    • clutchtwopointzero@lemmy.world
      543·
      2 days ago

      This is yet another example of Biden just not doing things sufficiently enough. He must issue a preemptive umbrella pardon for himself, as Trump’s DOJ, FBI, and CIA will go after him

      • astrsk@fedia.io
        423·
        2 days ago

        I agree, he should push the limit of what’s possible to force the Supreme Court to rule on the actions, call their bluff, lay bare the hypocrisy officially for all the world to see.

        • clutchtwopointzero@lemmy.world
          292·
          2 days ago

          Exactly. By not testing the supreme court, he is seen as being complicit in the manipulation of the system that Trump plans to implement and he might fall victim of it himself. The chances that Biden dies of old age during a lengthy court case or in jail, unfortunately, are non-zero.

          In any case, Dem’s lack of imagination is just astounding

        • Serinus@lemmy.world
          121·
          2 days ago

          He should have threatened to start jailing Senators as an official act unless they pass a law/amendment saying that he can’t.

          He still can, in fact.

      • Cleggory@lemmy.world
        27·
        2 days ago

        Exactly! The same way Trump locked Hillary up in prison after he won in 2016 right.

    • kreskin@lemmy.world
      48·
      2 days ago

      History has now shown us that there was evidently no one on the ballot who wasnt a “corruption and fuck it politics” candidate.