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With only months remaining of his Presidency, President Joe Biden has issued a "full and unconditional pardon" for his son Hunter Biden—despite his past promises of not using his executive authority for the benefit of his family.
Knewz.com has learned that the younger Biden has been absolved of his federal gun and tax evasion charges with the Presidential pardon.
The pardon issued by President Biden states that it is applicable for the "offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions)."
Regarding the charges, President Biden wrote in an official statement that Hunter was "selectively and unfairly prosecuted" by the Department of Justice—which, ironically, echoes President-elect Donald Trump's "weaponization of the DoJ" narrative.
Notably, Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said in the aftermath of the latest development, "The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system."
"That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people," Cheung added.
It is worth noting that President Biden had previously promised he would not use his executive power to pardon his son, and held on to his decision for months.
In a statement in June, shortly after Hunter was convicted of federal gun charges, the President told the press, "I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest most decent men I know."
"I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him," he added.
First Lady Jill Biden also seconded her husband's decision and said in an interview back in June, "Joe and I both respect the judicial system, and that’s the bottom line."
Notably, even until recently White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said that the President's position had not changed regarding the matter. However, reports have said that President Biden had been discussing pardoning his son with some of his closest aides since Hunter's conviction in June.
President Biden said in a White House press release on December 1 announcing the pardon:
"Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted."
The President further said that the charges against Hunter were politically motivated and aimed at "attacking" him and "opposing" his election.
"Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently," President Biden continued in the officially released statement.
"The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room – with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process," he added.
The President further stated that "no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong."
"There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough," President Biden added.
It is worth noting that Hunter had also shared a statement recently, saying that he had "admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction — mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport."
"Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends... In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded," he added.
"I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering," the recently pardoned younger Biden further stated.