President Trump Signs New Pardon Igniting Debate

Pardon spelled with wooden letter tiles blocks

President Trump’s pardon of Devon Archer, Hunter Biden’s former business partner, ignites debate over selective justice and political influence in the legal system.

Quick Takes

Trump pardoned Devon Archer, calling him a “victim” who was “treated very unfairly” in his fraud conviction.
Archer was previously convicted of defrauding a Native American tribe in a $60 million bond scheme.
The pardon follows Archer’s testimony to Congress about the Biden family’s business dealings.
Timing raises questions about connections between presidential pardons and political cooperation.
President Biden had previously pardoned his son, Hunter, before leaving office.

Trump Grants Clemency to Former Biden Associate

President Donald Trump issued a pardon to Devon Archer, a former business associate of Hunter Biden, citing unfair treatment in the legal system. Archer had been convicted in 2018 for his role in a scheme that defrauded a Native American tribe through the issuing and selling of over $60 million in tribal bonds. The pardon comes after Archer’s last legal avenue was exhausted when the Supreme Court upheld his conviction last year, rejecting his appeal to avoid prison time. Archer had maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, describing himself as a “victim of financial fraud.”

During the signing ceremony, Trump made his position clear on Archer’s conviction, stating, “I think he was treated very unfairly. And, I looked at the records, studied the records, and he was. He was a victim of a crime as far as I’m concerned. So, we’re going to undo that.”

Congressional Testimony and Biden Family Connections

Archer’s name became prominent in political circles following his testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in August 2023. During this testimony, Archer provided details about the Biden family’s business dealings, stating that Hunter Biden sold the “illusion of access” to his father. Archer and Hunter Biden both served as board members of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, where they reportedly earned over $80,000 per month. This testimony came as House Republicans were investigating connections between President Biden and his son’s business activities.

During his testimony, Archer detailed instances where then-Vice President Biden was put on speakerphone during business meetings. However, when questioned about whether Joe Biden had engaged in any wrongdoing, Archer responded, “No, I’m not aware of any.” Archer also testified about Joe Biden’s interactions with Hunter Biden’s business associates, including dinners with Russian oligarch Elena Baturina and Burisma executive Vadim Pozharskyi, suggesting the Biden family “brand” provided protection to Burisma Holdings.

Pardon Politics and Timing

The timing of Archer’s pardon has drawn attention from political observers. According to reports, Trump had previously promised Archer a pardon during a meeting at the NCAA Wrestling Championship. The fulfillment of this promise comes in the context of President Biden having issued a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, and other family members before leaving office. White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf suggested that Archer’s prosecution intensified after he began cooperating with congressional investigations into the Biden family.

After signing the pardon, Trump simply stated, “Congratulations, Devon.” The pardon effectively negates Archer’s conviction related to the tribal bond fraud scheme, though it does not address any findings of fact in the case. Archer’s pardon adds to the ongoing debate about the use of presidential pardon power, especially when it involves individuals connected to political opponents or those who have provided testimony favorable to the pardoning president’s interests.