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.

  • FanciestPants@lemmy.world
    13·
    2 days ago

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

    Both things are true though. The pardon power exists as a check on the judicial branch, so it certainly undermines it in the same way that the veto undermines legislative decisions by congress. The constitution gives the president the authority to do some pretty blatant undermining, but checks work in the other direction too if the branches are acting as co-equals and not just shilling for one of the others.

    • RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world
      1·
      24 hours ago

      It undermines what we liberals value: playing by the rules without exploiting them for our own selfish benefit. Yeah, the rule is that you can do this as POTUS, but it looks bad, and can be selfish or self-serving the way trump does it. His way is straight up corrupt. We don’t want to be like that. It separates us from them. So even if this saves HB from further persecution by the Talibangelicals, it still feels like we collectively get mud on us when Biden pulls the same stunt trump does.