Biden’s Pardon of Son Hunter Sparks Bipartisan Backlash and Concerns Over Justice System
Washington, The Gulf Observer: President Joe Biden’s decision to grant a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, has sparked sharp criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats, with many expressing concerns about the potential consequences for the U.S. justice system.
On Sunday, Biden signed an unconditional pardon for Hunter, 54, citing his belief that his son had been selectively prosecuted and unfairly targeted by political opponents. The White House later elaborated, stating that Biden feared his political adversaries would continue to pursue legal action against Hunter in the future.
While many sympathized with Biden’s personal desire to support his son, several Democratic figures voiced their disapproval, warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent and undermine public trust in the justice system. “As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, it’s a setback,” said Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman, a Democrat, in a post on X.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis also expressed disappointment, stating, “While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden’s natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.”
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton, expressed concerns about the integrity of the decision. “I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong,” said Stanton. “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers.”
The move also provoked strong reactions from Republicans, with many accusing the President of hypocrisy. Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the U.S. justice system, took to social media to denounce the pardon, asking, “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!”
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa expressed his shock, noting, “I’m shocked President Biden pardoned his son Hunter because he said many, many times he wouldn’t & I believed him. Shame on me.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis added, “Biden lied, justice died.”
For many Democrats, the pardon raises concerns about their party’s credibility in defending the fairness of the U.S. justice system. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet remarked, “President Biden’s decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.”
Despite the backlash, the President’s defenders argue that his decision was motivated by a desire to protect his son from political persecution, and that the pardon was within his presidential prerogative. However, the controversy surrounding the move is likely to continue to spark debate as Biden’s term nears its end.
