Photo: Bloomberg
President Joe Biden announced on Sunday (December 1) that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted of federal gun and tax crimes.
"Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," President Biden said in a statement.
"Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently."
Hunter Biden was convicted of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
Hunter was also facing trial for three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses. However, he decided to plead guilty just before jury selection began.
Previously, President Biden told ABC News that he would not pardon his son. A few days later, he reiterated his stance when asked during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"I am not going to do anything," President Biden said. "I will abide by the jury's decision."
In his statement, President Biden said, "Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong."
"Here’s the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice – and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision."