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.

  • hark@lemmy.world
    11436·
    11 days ago

    Reading through these comments and seeing people excuse this because trump is worse validates the race-to-the-bottom strategy that republicans and democrats cooperate on. Republicans will keep lowering the bar while democrats will continue hovering slightly above that bar as their only differentiator and we’re all on the ride on the way down.

    • DarkFuture@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      10 days ago

      Reading through these comments and seeing people excuse this because trump is worse validates the race-to-the-bottom strategy that republicans and democrats cooperate on.

      No, you don’t seem to understand. The race to the bottom strategy was a Republican thing. But now that we know that’s how you win in America, some of us are supporting that strategy for Democrats as well.

      Gotta adapt to your environment to succeed.

      • hark@lemmy.world
        1·
        10 days ago

        I’m on board with that, but democrats refuse to take advantage of their power for our sake. He’s just doing this for his own sake. This selfishness is what allowed trump a second term, since democrats would’ve had a much better chance if biden stepped down earlier and allowed for a proper primary.

        • DarkFuture@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          9 days ago

          but democrats refuse to take advantage of their power for our sake.

          I agree that they could do more. But I also acknowledge that they’ve done WAY more for us than the Republican party has. I don’t vote for perfect. I vote for better.

          He’s just doing this for his own sake.

          I’m ok with him pardoning his son. First of all, Trump threatened to go after his political opponents if he won. That’s a threat to Biden’s son. So Biden did something about it. Secondly, Biden was, by all metrics, a solid president. And Americans told him and his party to fuck off and re-hired a twice impeached convicted felon and rapist who incited an insurrection and illegally attempted to overturn an election. We treated Biden like shit. He doesn’t owe us anything additional. I think it’s fine to take this small victory to protect his son from unwarranted threats and then retire.

          since democrats would’ve had a much better chance if biden stepped down earlier

          I agree. But I also have a pretty low opinion of Americans, so I don’t know if it would have mattered in the end.

    • clutchtwopointzero@lemmy.world
      124·
      11 days ago

      Is not a race to bottom. It is just the most clear indication that the American system of governance has massive flaws and, as a set of institutions, the system has no way to protect itself from abuse.

    • asteriskeverything@lemmy.world
      228·
      11 days ago

      Um no?

      Don’t tell me if you knew the threat to democracy who had a personal vendetta against you and your child was following you in office and has threatened and made blind accusations multiple times that you would NOT pardon them. Biden did the right thing as a parent and a mildly objectionable thing on a moral standpoint politically which… just fuck off with that. I don’t wanna hear about morality from the party that constantly defends rapist and child abusers

      • hark@lemmy.world
        11·
        10 days ago

        I don’t want to hear about morality regarding biden and his full-throated support of genocide. He said he wouldn’t pardon his son and that he believed in the rule of law, but when it comes down to it, he goes ahead and pardons him because he ultimately knows the institutions he has fought so hard to defend are full of shit. Us peasants are still supposed to be held under the power of these institutions, though, and he has done nothing to change that. In fact, he’s played a big hand in making it as bad as it is now with his tough on crime stance.

    • Doorbook@lemmy.world
      716·
      11 days ago

      It is wild how they willing to defend their side no matter what. This is absolute abuse of power regardless of detail. Again, it is understandable and expected, but still abuse of power.

    • Cethin@lemmy.zipEnglish
      506·
      11 days ago

      The gun crime is bullshit. That law isn’t enforced on anyone. It’s also probably unconstitutional if you follow the conservative understanding of that amendment (which is complete bullshit, but that’s beside the point).

      Tax evasion, sure. That maybe shouldn’t be pardoned but also it’s only an issue because he’s the president’s son. I don’t dismiss this, but also I recognize that it’s mostly bullshit Republicans drummed up because they couldn’t get anything on Biden.

      I will point out to every conservative who defends Trump who says anything about this though. Trump is literally a convicted felon, and multiple cases are being dismissed because he was elected. If they think Hunter shouldn’t get off free, then they better have some strong reasons Trump should.

    • rc__buggy@sh.itjust.works
      3713·
      11 days ago

      Gun charge “while using illegal drugs”.

      Tax fraud.

      c’mon now, fuck all that shit. 100% political, “witch hunt”, and all that. I would have thought less of Joe had he not done this.

    • njm1314@lemmy.world
      3913·
      11 days ago

      You do have to remember that most of us didn’t give a fuck about this supposed crime to begin with. I mean who Among Us hasn’t lied to the government about our drug history?

      Also should mention that it’s clearly unconstitutional by the way.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
        71·
        10 days ago

        who Among Us hasn’t lied to the government about our drug history?

        Me. I’ve yet to be given the opportunity… but I’ll be happy to lie about if it comes up.

      • atzanteol@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        66·
        10 days ago

        Also should mention that it’s clearly unconstitutional by the way.

        Then they should fight it legally and win. That would also set precedent for others who aren’t rich and powerful.

        It would also be amusing to watch liberals making a 2A argument in court.