The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

  • sushibowl@feddit.nl
    287·
    21 days ago

    I disagree. There is pushing back for political gain, and pushing back for personal gain. Pardoning hunter is certainly an example of Biden abandoning the moral high ground. However it does not advance the cause of the democratic party in any way and only serves Joe Biden and his family personally. This is not a step in the right direction, it gives up moral correctness only to make the political position of the Democrats worse.

      • sushibowl@feddit.nl
        131·
        21 days ago

        I see the “Republican are always giving up moral superiority to gain an advantage so Democrats should do it too” argument. But at least get something worthwhile for selling your soul. Like, if you’re packing the supreme court you can at least protect abortion rights properly. If you nuke the senate filibuster you can pass some decent healthcare laws, or tax the rich maybe. Pardoning Hunter does nothing for anyone except the Biden family.

        Joe is acknowledging that the justice system sucks and powers that be can decide to fuck you over with it any time, but instead of abusing his power to try and fix it, he’s just bailing out his loved ones and then riding off into the sunset, leaving the rest of us to get fucked over. That’s stupid.

        • DarkFuture@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          21 days ago

          Pardoning Hunter does nothing for anyone except the Biden family.

          So?

          Guy was an actual good president. Anyone that’s done their homework knows that. And he got fucking shafted by a stupid populace.

          You think he should now respect that stupid populace by leaving his son in prison for non-violent crimes while a criminal president who explicitly stated he would target his political opponents sits in the Oval Office?

          Nah dawg.

          And late-term pardons are not some new thing. It’s only news now because a Democrat did it and Democrats have always been held to a higher standard. And that shit needs to change because in America taking the high road doesn’t benefit you in any way.

    • DarkFuture@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      21 days ago

      it gives up moral correctness

      That doesn’t matter in America anymore.

      only to make the political position of the Democrats worse.

      How could it be worse? They lost everything.

      We now know, beyond doubt, that attempting to take the moral high ground and honor decorum will make you lose in America. Time for Dems to shift their strategy and play in the mud with Republicans.

      Americans are dumb and easily influenced. At this point I’m actually fine with Dems spreading blatant misinformation to win. Because that’s how it’s done in America now.