President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for various offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, despite previously denying he would do so. This pardon, widely perceived as corrupt, followed Hunter's conviction on tax and gun charges and a controversial plea deal that was rejected by the judge. The pardon's justification, that Hunter was unfairly prosecuted, is disputed by many due to evidence of Hunter's involvement in foreign business dealings and the perception that Joe Biden prioritized his son's interests over upholding justice.
Hunter Biden Pardon
• 00:00:05 President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for various crimes between 2014 and 2024, including those related to the tax and gun charges. Biden had previously stated he would not pardon his son if he was convicted, but he later issued the pardon, which was widely viewed as corrupt and self-serving.
Hunter's Legal Case
• 00:01:30 Hunter Biden was initially offered a plea deal that would have resulted in minimal consequences. However, the judge rejected the deal due to its perceived corruption, and Hunter eventually pleaded guilty to nine counts, including felony and misdemeanor tax offenses, and a gun charge.
Biden's Justification
• 00:06:30 President Biden justified the pardon by claiming Hunter was unfairly prosecuted and treated differently than others facing similar charges. He claimed that the legal case against Hunter was instigated by political opponents seeking to attack him and obstruct his election.
Allegations of Corruption
• 00:00:30 Hunter Biden has been accused of leveraging his father's position for personal gain, particularly through foreign business dealings in Ukraine and China. The 'big guy' reference in emails suggests Joe Biden may have been involved in these dealings, with Hunter potentially acting as a 'bagman' for his father.
Political Implications
• 00:06:01 The pardon has been criticized for undermining public trust in the justice system and is seen as a way for Biden to protect his own interests. Republicans have argued that the pardon was expected and further evidence of corruption within the Biden administration and that the initial prosecution of Hunter was a political balancing act to appear impartial.