President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, earlier this week has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accuse the president of undermining the justice system. The White House defended the move, citing “changed circumstances” as the driving factor behind the decision.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue during a press briefing on Friday, explaining the timing of the pardon. “The fact is, when you think about how the president got to this decision, circumstances have changed. They have,” she said. Jean-Pierre referenced recent developments, including statements by President-elect Donald Trump’s appointees for law enforcement, who have suggested increased scrutiny of Hunter Biden’s business dealings.
Hunter Biden, who faced charges of tax evasion and illegal firearm possession, was initially scheduled for sentencing this month. The pardon followed months of contentious debate over his legal troubles and allegations surrounding his business activities.
First Lady Jill Biden, a vocal supporter of the pardon, expressed her solidarity with the president’s decision. “Of course, I support the pardon of my son,” she said at a White House holiday event earlier this week. Reports suggest she played a significant role in influencing the president’s decision, with CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny claiming there was “pressure inside the family” to shield Hunter Biden from potential prison time.
The pardon has intensified partisan tensions, with Republicans denouncing the move as a “miscarriage of justice.” They argue that it undermines Biden’s previous promises to allow the justice system to run its course without interference.
The controversy was further fueled by President-elect Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel to head the FBI. Patel, a vocal critic of Hunter Biden, has previously called for investigations into his business dealings. “Republicans said they weren’t going to let up,” Jean-Pierre said, adding, “I think we should believe their words.” This latest development underscores the political and legal challenges awaiting the Biden family as they face increasing scrutiny from a divided government and public opinion
