Joe Biden has granted his son, Hunter Biden, a "full and unconditional" pardon for federal gun and tax-related convictions, according to a White House statement on Sunday.
This move represents a shift from the president's earlier position of refraining from using his executive powers in this case.
Hunter Biden was facing sentencing in December for gun charges and separate tax charges, but the pardon nullifies these convictions and any related offenses from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.
The charges included falsely stating on a firearm purchase form that he was not a drug user and failing to pay taxes on time, though he later paid them with penalties.
In his statement, President Biden criticized what he described as selective and politically motivated prosecution against his son, asserting that such cases rarely result in felony charges for the alleged conduct. He argued that Hunter Biden's struggles with addiction and his subsequent recovery were unfairly used against him for political purposes.
The president emphasized that this decision stemmed from his belief in justice and his frustration over political interference in the legal process.
The pardon has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accuse the Biden family of corruption and avoiding accountability. Hunter Biden, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the pardon, vowing to continue rebuilding his life and supporting others facing similar challenges.
This decision has reignited partisan debates, with figures like Donald Trump commenting on the matter.
The controversy also revisits previous scandals involving Hunter Biden, including his business dealings and a controversial laptop that became a focal point during the 2020 election.
Despite the backlash, Joe Biden framed his decision as an act of justice and compassion, aimed at addressing what he viewed as a miscarriage of justice.
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