President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for his son Hunter Biden, who was facing charges related to gun possession and federal tax evasion.
In a statement from the White House, President Biden explained that he had decided to grant clemency to Hunter, who was set to be sentenced later this month for two separate criminal cases.
"Since taking office, I have always said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decisions, and I have kept that promise, even as I watched my son face unfair and targeted prosecution," President Biden said.
The president emphasized that people rarely face felony charges for minor errors on gun forms, especially without additional factors like using a weapon in a crime or making multiple illegal purchases. He also noted that individuals who were late on taxes due to serious addiction issues often receive non-criminal resolutions after paying back the owed amounts with interest and penalties. "Hunter was treated differently," he stated.
Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted in June on three firearm-related charges. This marked the first time a sitting US president's child was criminally prosecuted. Prosecutors claimed Hunter lied on a form when purchasing a gun in 2018, falsely stating he was not a drug user, despite his struggle with crack cocaine.
Hunter also pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges in October, admitting to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. His spending included lavish purchases, drugs, and sex workers. He was due to face sentencing on both charges in December.
President Biden granted Hunter a "full and unconditional pardon," covering both the gun charges and tax evasion case. The president also pointed out that the charges were influenced by political opponents in Congress, who pushed for these legal actions as a way to attack him and his presidency.
The 82-year-old president added that Hunter's plea deal, which was originally agreed upon by the Department of Justice, fell apart in court. He accused political opponents of applying pressure on the legal process for political gain.
Referring to Hunter's struggle with addiction, President Biden said, "Anyone who looks at the facts of this case can only conclude that Hunter was singled out simply because he is my son. That is unjust." He also expressed concern about ongoing attacks, stating, "They've tried to break Hunter, who has been sober for over five years, and in doing so, they’ve tried to break me. Enough is enough."
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