Biden pardons son Hunter just before leaving office

Washington, December 2, 2024 – President Joe Biden has granted his son, Hunter Biden, a full and unconditional pardon, sparking controversy just weeks before his presidency ends.

Hunter was facing federal charges for tax and firearm offenses, but now, thanks to his father’s decision, he won’t be serving any prison time.

“I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. It’s a full and unconditional pardon,” Biden said in a statement today.

This move comes as a surprise, especially considering Biden’s previous stance. Both he and his spokesperson had repeatedly said that, even after Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, Biden wouldn’t step in to help Hunter.

But with this presidential pardon, all chances of prison time are wiped out. Hunter’s sentencing hearings, scheduled for mid-December, are now likely to be canceled.

The pardon also covers any possible federal crimes Hunter could have committed from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.

Unsurprisingly, the decision has triggered backlash from Trump. The president-elect took to Truth Social, comparing Biden’s action to the January 6 Capitol riots, asking: “Does the pardon given by Joe for Hunter include the J-6 hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and failure of justice!”

Trump has often referred to Capitol rioters as “hostages,” despite a judge rejecting the term.

With this move, Biden makes his final headlines as president, just as Trump prepares to take over in January.