In a shocking break from his prior promises, President Joe Biden announced Sunday night he had pardoned his son Hunter Biden, convicted earlier this year of federal gun felonies and tax crimes.
In a statement, the president expressed belief in the justice system but claimed the legal process against Hunter was politically motivated, resulting in a miscarriage of justice.
“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” the president said in a statement. “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.”
Biden emphasized that his decision was both as a father and president, hoping the public would understand his rationale, the Delaware News Journal reported. This move follows earlier assurances that he would not pardon Hunter, marking a dramatic shift in his stance.
“I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” the president added in his statement.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles included convictions for falsifying a federal form about his drug addiction when purchasing a firearm, lying to a gun dealer, and illegal possession of a firearm, as well as tax-related offenses.
His legal team released a 52-page memo accusing Republicans of orchestrating politically motivated prosecutions to damage President Biden through his son. Hunter’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, described the saga as a targeted effort to harm the president, warning of potential future abuses of government power.
Hunter, who pleaded guilty to nine tax-related charges in September and three firearms charges in June, faced up to 17 years in prison and $1.3 million in fines. The pardon marks the culmination of a seven-year legal battle that Hunter’s defense argues stemmed from mistakes made during his struggle with drug addiction.