US President Biden issues official pardon for son Hunter | BBC News

US President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, for firearms and tax offenses, citing unfair prosecution and a politicized justice system. While Hunter admitted to his mistakes and accepted responsibility, the pardon has sparked predictable reactions, with Republicans criticizing it as nepotism and Democrats acknowledging potential political repercussions.

Pardon for Hunter Biden

• 00:00:00 US President Joe Biden officially pardoned his son, Hunter, for federal firearms and tax offenses. Biden stated that Hunter was unfairly targeted and prosecuted due to his political affiliation, arguing that a miscarriage of justice occurred. He asserted that Hunter was singled out solely because he is his son, emphasizing the unfairness of this situation.

Hunter Biden's Statement

• 00:01:13 Hunter Biden issued a statement acknowledging his mistakes and taking responsibility for them, particularly during a period of addiction. He emphasized his commitment to sobriety, citing faith and family support as contributing factors. Hunter also expressed gratitude for the pardon and pledged to dedicate his life to assisting those battling addiction.

Political Reactions

• 00:02:40 The pardon has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with Republicans criticizing it as nepotism and Democrats expressing concern about its potential political ramifications. The timing of the pardon, just after Thanksgiving and amid political polarization, also contributed to the reactions. The reporter believes that while the issue will be discussed extensively, it may not drastically change public opinion due to the country's polarized nature.

Impact on US Justice System

• 00:03:18 The pardon raises questions about the US justice system and the perception of fairness when a president pardons a family member. This is perceived as awkward, and the situation is seen as politicized. Both Biden and Trump have voiced concerns about the justice system being politicized, although their arguments differ.

Public Perception

• 00:04:07 The extent to which the average American is paying attention to the pardon is uncertain. While the case is important to political junkies, the majority of Americans may be more focused on pressing concerns like food and employment. The reporter doubts that the pardon will significantly sway public opinion, primarily due to political polarization, which currently dominates public discourse.