President Joe Biden’s unanticipated pardon of his son, Hunter, without the customary Justice Department consultation, has provoked widespread discussion.
At a Glance
- Hunter Biden granted a sweeping pardon, covering all offenses from 2014 to 2024.
- Pardon issued without consulting the Justice Department’s pardon office.
- Decision sparks criticism and accusations of favoritism from both parties.
- Considered the most expansive pardon since Nixon’s in 1974.
Biden’s Unconventional Pardon
Hunter Biden received a presidential pardon from his father, covering offenses dated from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024. This action, bypassing the customary consultation with the Justice Department’s pardon office, stands out for its sweeping nature. President Biden’s decision, made amidst a family gathering in Massachusetts, has drawn parallels to Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon, and its implications have surprised many experts.
The absence of the usual Justice Department procedure renders this decision highly unusual. Jeffrey Crouch, an assistant professor of politics, stated, “is highly unusual to have a presidential pardon that covers such a broad time span.”
My fleshed out thoughts on the Hunter Biden pardon: Before I say anything, I need to own the fact that I did not expect Biden to do this.
In a June edition of Tangle, I wrote that if Hunter Biden got convicted, "I have a hard time imagining him going to jail as part of his…
— Isaac Saul (@Ike_Saul) December 3, 2024
Political Reactions and Controversy
The sweeping nature of the pardon has fuelled accusations of political favoritism. Criticism has come from both Democrats and Republicans, leaving the administration facing accusations of undermining established norms. President Biden had previously committed to not pardoning his son, a statement contradicted by the recent development. The move has prompted calls for additional investigations into the Biden family from Republican quarters.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles stem largely from his foreign business dealings, tax violations, and a history of substance abuse. He faced three gun charges related to a 2018 purchase while addicted to drugs. Following the pardon, a federal judge in Delaware closed the gun case. However, a similar motion for nine tax charges remains pending in Los Angeles.
Impacts on Clemency Norms
Typically, the Office of the Pardon Attorney recommends clemency for individuals who have completed sentences. The extraordinary nature of Hunter Biden’s pardon has prompted legal experts to question its impact on existing clemency norms. The pardon also coincided with recent threats from Donald Trump’s team, vowing retribution against political adversaries.
“It makes me sad, I think, that the power has just been sort of slowly pried loose from the justice system. Not slowly at all, really, quite roughly.” – Margaret Love
Hunter Biden could now focus on rebuilding his life, potentially pursuing writing, podcasting, or artistic endeavors. As his legal path clears, the broader reaction to this unconventional decision may influence future presidential clemency judgments.
Sources:
- President Biden bypassed Justice Department in pardoning son Hunter: court records
- How Biden Changed His Mind on Pardoning Hunter: ‘Time to End All of This’
