Washington DC [US], December 2: US President-elect Donald Trump strongly criticized outgoing President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations. Trump referred to the act as a “miscarriage of justice” in a post on his platform, Truth Social.
“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Trump wrote, referencing individuals imprisoned for their role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riots. Trump and his supporters have labeled these individuals “hostages,” asserting that their actions were peaceful and patriotic.
Speculation is mounting that Trump, upon resuming office, may issue pardons for those incarcerated due to their involvement in the Capitol Hill siege.
Earlier, President Biden signed a pardon for Hunter Biden, ensuring that he would not face sentencing or imprisonment for his convictions. Hunter Biden had been found guilty of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm and pleaded guilty to tax violations amounting to $1.4 million in unpaid taxes.
In a statement, Biden defended his son, asserting that cases involving addiction-related tax issues and gun violations are typically resolved without criminal charges. He maintained that Hunter’s prosecution was a result of political motives.
“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. Without aggravating factors, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently,” Biden said in his statement.
Biden explained that Hunter’s legal troubles escalated due to political opponents in Congress pressing the Justice Department. A plea deal negotiated with the department fell apart in court, which Biden attributed to political pressure. He reiterated that Hunter was targeted solely due to their familial connection.
“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,” Biden stated, calling the situation a “miscarriage of justice.”
As Biden prepares to leave office and Trump gears up to begin his second term in January 2025, the controversy surrounding Hunter’s pardon adds another layer of political tension.
