U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized outgoing President Joe Biden’s decision to issue a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, on federal gun crime and tax evasion convictions. Trump described the move as a “miscarriage of justice” in a post on his social media 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 incarcerated for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Trump and his supporters often refer to these individuals as “hostages,” asserting that they acted peacefully and patriotically.
The pardon, issued late Sunday night, marks a significant departure from Biden’s repeated public statements that he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles. In a statement accompanying the executive clemency order, Biden defended the decision, calling Hunter’s prosecution “selective and unfair” but maintained he had not interfered in the Justice Department’s decision-making process.
“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” Biden said in a written statement. “It is a full and unconditional pardon.” He added, “I have always said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s work, and I kept my word. But as a father, I could not stand by as my son was unfairly targeted.”
Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year on charges related to lying about his drug use on a federal gun purchase form and failing to pay federal taxes. He was set to appear in court in California to potentially face lengthy prison sentences before the pardon.
Trump’s comments also signaled his potential plans to pardon individuals jailed for their involvement in the Capitol riots once he assumes office in January. During his campaign, Trump promised to review the cases of those imprisoned following the January 6 siege and suggested they had been treated unjustly.
Although Trump will have broad clemency powers as president, he will not have the authority to reverse the official pardon granted by Biden to Hunter Biden.
Biden’s decision has drawn mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of undermining the justice system, while supporters argue it reflects his compassion as a father. Trump, meanwhile, has used the development to amplify his long-standing grievances about political bias in federal law enforcement.
This latest controversy comes as the nation braces for a political transition with Trump returning to the White House in January after his victory in the 2024 presidential election.
