**Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden’s recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, from various federal gun and tax offenses has ignited a fierce backlash from Republicans and drawn some criticism from within his own party. This unprecedented pardon, which covers any offenses Hunter may have committed from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024, marks a reversal from Biden’s prior stance against such clemency. In a lengthy statement, Biden argued that Hunter has faced undue scrutiny primarily because of his familial connection, emphasizing that he was targeted by Republicans soon after Biden’s electoral victory in late 2020.
Republican leaders like former President Donald Trump condemned the pardon, labeling it “an abuse and miscarriage of justice” and questioning whether it might extend to others incarcerated for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Critics from the GOP, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, accused Biden of betraying his own words and eroding public trust in the justice system.
While many Democrats remained silent, some voiced concerns. Representatives Greg Landsman and Greg Stanton expressed their disappointment, emphasizing the political implications of the pardon. Stanton remarked that this action contradicted the essence of fair justice, while Colorado Senator Michael Bennet stated it undermined the integrity of government.
The controversy sheds light on Biden’s comparatively low clemency rate during his term, having granted only 26 pardons against Trump’s 143. Advocates are now urging Biden to extend his clemency powers to address broader issues within the federal justice system before his presidency concludes. As Republicans anticipate a potential return of Trump to the White House, the implications of Biden’s decision could reverberate through the political landscape.**
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