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.

  • btaf45@lemmy.world
    112·
    2 days ago

    That was no “both sides” thing. The crimes that Treason Trump is guilty of are very serious. Our democracy has been seriously hurt by him not getting punished, it is just something that is not immediately obvious, like a rotted out board. Nothing that Hunter Biden did remotely rises to that level.

    • pyro@discuss.onlineEnglish
      11·
      23 hours ago

      Trump’s actions have been shady and potentially illegal, but calling them “treason” is a stretch. Critics seemed determined to paint him as a villain early on, before any lines were even crossed. Yes, he withheld documents, just as Clinton deleted emails, and both cases left unanswered questions about what might have been compromised. As for Hunter Biden, he’s not a public official, but the scope of his pardon raises fair questions about the past decade.

      January 6 is no different - blaming the insurrection entirely on Trump is oversimplified. He questioned the election, but nowhere did he explicitly tell people to storm the Capitol. The idea that an uncoordinated mob could even overthrow the government is absurd. What were they going to do; occupy the Capitol and declare victory? This exaggerated narrative is politically convenient but ultimately baseless.

      Like I said, I’m not a Trump supporter and haven’t voted for him in any of his campaigns, but these repetitive talking points have been dragged out and beaten to death, accomplishing nothing while distracting from real issues - especially with him set to return to office in just over a month.