U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a full pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing this month for federal tax and gun convictions, just weeks before leaving office.
In a statement released by the White House on Sunday, December 1, Biden defended his decision, calling the prosecutions “selective” and “unfair,” attributing them to his son’s family name. The clemency, described as “full and unconditional,” cannot be overturned by President-elect Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden was originally scheduled for sentencing on December 12 for federal gun charges and December 16 for federal tax evasion, following his September guilty plea.
“I believe in the justice system, but politics has corrupted this process, leading to a miscarriage of justice,” Biden said. “As a father and a President, I could not delay this decision any further. I hope the American people will understand.”
The pardon covers all offences Hunter may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. Biden also highlighted his son’s struggles with addiction and accused political opponents of targeting Hunter to undermine him.
“There’s been an effort to break Hunter, who has been sober for over five years. In trying to break him, they’ve sought to break me. Enough is enough,” Biden added.
In his own statement, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the pardon, acknowledging past mistakes made during his addiction. “I squandered many opportunities but have rebuilt my life through recovery. I will dedicate myself to helping others in need and will never take this clemency for granted,” he said.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticised the pardon as further evidence of a “weaponized” justice system, vowing that Trump’s administration will restore fairness and due process.
