In a surprising move just weeks before leaving office, outgoing US President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing on two charges related to tax fraud and unlawful possession of firearms. Biden defended his decision by stating, “No reasonable person who examines the facts of Hunter’s case can reach any conclusion other than this: Hunter was targeted solely because he is my son, and that is wrong,” calling it a “miscarriage of justice.”
This pardon came just weeks before Hunter Biden was scheduled to be sentenced after his conviction in the firearms case and his guilty plea on tax charges. Less than two months later, President-elect Donald Trump would be returning to the White House. The pardon effectively brings an end to a legal case that had lasted four years, during which Hunter had officially pleaded guilty in September to nine charges related to tax fraud without reaching any agreement with prosecutors to reduce his sentence.
Surprisingly, Donald Trump was the first to announce that Biden would pardon his son, despite Biden repeatedly insisting that he would not interfere in the judiciary or grant his son a presidential pardon. He previously stated, “I am incredibly proud of my son Hunter. He overcame addiction. I am committed to the jury’s decision and will not pardon him.”
However, Biden proceeded with the pardon, raising questions about his commitment to his earlier promises. Less than two years ago, comparisons were being made between Biden’s presidency and the legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents, Franklin Roosevelt. Today, such comparisons have dissipated.
This decision is not the most controversial of Biden’s actions; he has faced criticism from both Democrats and progressives for his policies on various political, economic, military, and security issues, ranging from the Middle East conflict to the Ukraine crisis and the economic struggle with China. His decisions on these matters have not alleviated tensions but have instead worsened them.
Biden, who promised not to misuse his constitutional powers for personal interests, has been accused of using the presidential pardon in a way that undermines the integrity of his word. Some commentators have likened this decision to former President Bill Clinton’s pardon of his brother and Trump’s pardon of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The issue stems from accusations that Biden is exploiting his constitutional powers for the benefit of his family, igniting claims of deceit and dishonesty.
Throughout the 2020 elections and his presidency, Biden has faced allegations of misleading the American public. He denied knowledge of Hunter’s foreign dealings, which included millions in alleged business transactions with Russians, Ukrainians, Chinese, and others. Biden also claimed he never met any of his son’s business partners, despite evidence to the contrary.
Critics argue that he may be covering up a corruption scandal in which he could also be implicated, reportedly resulting in millions of dollars for his family. This includes lavish gifts such as diamonds, large financial transfers, and luxury sports cars, which Hunter described as “loans.”
The decision to grant the pardon has shocked American media, which has described it as “an expression of contempt for the American people.” They have highlighted Biden’s consistent dishonesty during elections, debates, and his time in office.
Ultimately, while presidential pardons are constitutional, using them to circumvent the law is considered an ethical transgression, especially when it undermines the integrity of one’s word. This pardon is viewed as one of the most disgraceful in the history of US presidential pardons.
Dr. Hatem Sadek – Professor at Helwan University
