Joe Biden pardons his son – sentenced to 25 years
The president steps in
U.S. President Joe Biden, in the final stretch of his term, has officially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden. The 54-year-old was facing a 25-year prison sentence for illegal possession of a firearm and tax evasion amid substance abuse involving hard drugs.
According to Joe Biden, the decision was made after the family spent Thanksgiving together, and he signed the pardon on December 1.
Although the president had previously insisted he would not use his office to resolve his son’s issues, the White House leader now expressed hope that Americans would understand the decision made by a father and president to grant clemency to his son.
«I signed an executive order pardoning my son, Hunter. Since taking office, I vowed not to interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept that promise, even as I watched my son face selective and unjust prosecution. I hope Americans will understand why a father and president came to this decision», Biden said, according to the BBC.
Hunter Biden was indicted in December 2023. Prosecutors alleged that between 2016 and 2019, Biden Jr. failed to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes and unlawfully possessed a firearm. The charges carried a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.
Hunter Biden, for his part, believes that the mistakes he made as a drug addict were exploited for political purposes to publicly humiliate the Biden family.
«I do not, by any means, take today’s act of mercy for granted and will dedicate my life to helping those who are still sick and suffering», the president’s son declared.
