December 2nd 2024.
President Joe Biden has made the decision to pardon his son, Hunter, saving him from the possibility of serving time in prison for his federal felony gun and tax convictions. This decision goes against his previous promise not to use his presidential powers for the benefit of his family members.
Initially, the Democratic president had stated that he would not grant a pardon or commute the sentence of his son, who had been convicted in two separate cases in Delaware and California. However, with Hunter's sentencing approaching and the impending return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, Biden has chosen to take action.
This brings an end to a lengthy legal battle for the president's son, who first revealed he was under federal investigation in December 2020, a month after Biden's victory in the presidential election. In June, during Hunter's trial for the gun case in Delaware, Biden had firmly stated that he would not consider a pardon or clemency for his son, in an interview with ABC News. And as recently as November, the White House press secretary had reiterated this stance, saying that there would be no pardon or clemency for Hunter.
However, in a statement released on Sunday evening, Biden announced that he had signed a pardon for his son, stating that the charges against him were politically motivated and a "miscarriage of justice." He went on to claim that Hunter had been unfairly targeted due to his relationship with the president.
Biden explained that he came to this decision after spending time with Hunter and his family during the Thanksgiving holiday. He also mentioned that he hopes the American people will understand why he made this decision as a father and a president.
Hunter had been convicted in June of three felonies in Delaware federal court for lying on a federal form while purchasing a gun in 2018. He was also set to stand trial in September for failing to pay over $1.4 million in taxes in California. However, he surprised everyone by pleading guilty to both misdemeanour and felony charges just before the trial was set to begin.
In a statement, Hunter expressed his gratitude for the pardon and promised to use his second chance to help others who are struggling with addiction. He also acknowledged his mistakes and took responsibility for his actions, mentioning the "darkest days" of his addiction. He also called out the exploitation of his struggles for political gain, which has brought shame upon him and his family.
There has been no response from special counsel David Weiss, who brought the charges against Hunter, regarding the pardon. This decision by President Biden has brought an end to a long and difficult chapter for the Biden family, and Hunter can now move forward with his life.
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