The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

  • Tyrangle@lemmy.world
    97·
    20 hours ago

    Democrats are pissed because all we had left after this election was our integrity. Biden can do what he wants honestly - he doesn’t owe us anything - but this is still depressing.

    • braxy29@lemmy.world
      82·
      16 hours ago

      seriously, this is depressing?

      integrity on this matter isn’t going to ensure healthcare for myself or family, it’s not going to ensure reasonable student loan repayments, it’s not going to protect non-citizens i know or work with, it’s not going to keep marginalized people safe, it’s not going to protect education…

      i genuinely don’t give a shit. i don’t identify so hard with Biden to feel this reflects on me or my politics or values in the slightest.

      and you know what else? if Joe wants to protect his son from the man who is looking forward to being dictator, well, that’s fine with me. i suspect i would do the same in his position.

      • Tyrangle@lemmy.world
        4·
        15 hours ago

        Nothing short of an electoral landslide in 2026 is going to save us from our current situation. For that to happen, we need the Democratic party to offer a clear and compelling contrast to Trump. If integrity ends up being a campaign issue - which seems likely given Trump’s track record - then it helps if we can be the party of integrity. Biden’s decision to pardon his son - even after saying that he wouldn’t - undermines this. The next campaign hasn’t even started yet and it’s already taking on water. How is that not depressing? Turn on any conservative radio show and you’ll hear how they’re spinning this to cancel our every corrupt thing that Trump has ever done.

        • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.worldEnglish
          31·
          14 hours ago

          Democrats insist on integrity when it means we’re getting fucked over, but don’t give a shit about integrity when they can save their relatives.

          They adhere to norms like their opponents aren’t fighting dirty because it ain’t them suffering the consequences of their unwillingness to fight back effectively. They have the luxury of Marquess of Queensbury rules because they ain’t the ones who gotta tank the punches. They ain’t the ones spittin’ chicklets in this fight. That’s us gettin’ beat up.

          But let one of their spoiled ilk be in danger and all their vaunted integrity vanishes.

    • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.worldEnglish
      61·
      16 hours ago

      Democrats are pissed because all we had left after this election was our integrity.

      I’m pissed because the only time Biden was willing to ignore norms was to save his cokehead failson. He had 4 fucking years to ignore norms on anyone else’s behalf. I’m pissed because Democrats kept telling us to trust the process while they were dragging their feet on prosecuting trump only to demonstrate that they always knew that “the process” is irrevocably broken.