President Joe Biden has signed an executive order pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, the White House announced. In a statement, Biden defended his decision, claiming his son was "unfairly and selectively prosecuted" due to political bias.
“From the moment I took office, I promised not to interfere in the Justice Department's decisions. I kept that promise, even as I watched my son face selective prosecution,” Biden said, as cited by Interfax.
The president alleged that politics influenced Hunter Biden's legal troubles, calling the trial a "miscarriage of justice."
“No reasonable person looking at the facts of the Hunter case can conclude anything other than that he was singled out simply because he is my son,” Biden stated. “In trying to break Hunter, they tried to break me. I have had enough.”
Hunter Biden faced several legal charges this year. In September, he pleaded guilty to nine counts of tax crimes, which carry a maximum sentence of 17 years. He was also convicted on three federal weapons charges, which could result in up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.
Despite the severe potential penalties, legal experts suggested Hunter Biden’s sentencing would likely be more lenient due to his lack of prior convictions. Sentencing for the tax charges was scheduled for December 16.
Previously, President Biden repeatedly stated he would not pardon his son or interfere with the judicial process. However, in his announcement, Biden said he felt there was no reason to delay the pardon any longer.
"I hope the American people understand why a father and a president had to make this decision,” Biden concluded.
