President Joe Biden has made history by granting an unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden—an act that no U.S. president has ever undertaken before, according to experts.
The decision, which has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle, is being labeled as a significant abuse of executive power.
A First in Presidential Pardon History
While past presidents like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have issued controversial pardons for family members or close associates, Biden’s decision breaks new ground. Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton Jr., for a drug conviction, and Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s father-in-law, for tax evasion and witness tampering. However, experts emphasize that no sitting president has ever extended clemency to their own child.
“This is a first,” said Jeffrey Crouch, an expert on presidential pardons at American University. “The president has the constitutional authority to pardon virtually anyone, but this is unprecedented.”
Republicans and Democrats Slam the Decision
Criticism came swiftly. Former President Donald Trump called the pardon “an abuse and miscarriage of Justice” on his Truth Social platform. Some Democrats also expressed outrage, accusing Biden of reneging on earlier promises to keep his hands off Hunter’s legal issues.
“This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution,” said Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona. “Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.”
Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet echoed similar concerns, stating that the decision puts “personal interest ahead of duty” and undermines faith in the justice system.
Jill Biden’s Reported Influence on the Decision
Reports suggest that First Lady Jill Biden played a pivotal role in the president’s decision. CNN correspondent Jeff Zeleny claimed that Jill Biden strongly advocated for the pardon in recent weeks, potentially swaying the president, who was initially hesitant.
“Of course, I support the pardon of my son,” Jill Biden told reporters, reaffirming her influence as one of the most consequential first ladies in modern history.
Democrats Question Biden’s Handling of the Situation
The backlash from Democrats wasn’t limited to the pardon itself but also Biden’s handling of the lead-up. For months, Biden had denied any intention of issuing a pardon for Hunter, a stance many now see as disingenuous.
“Anyone near the top knew this was coming,” a former West Wing aide said. “Why pretend otherwise?”
Some argue that Biden’s firm denials only intensified the fallout. “As a father, I get it,” said Ohio Rep. Greg Landsman, “but this is a setback for public trust.”
The Legal Implications of an Irrevocable Pardon
Experts confirm that Hunter Biden’s pardon, described as “full and unconditional,” cannot be undone. Even if President Biden himself had second thoughts, the clemency stands.
While George W. Bush once rescinded a pardon for developer Isaac Robert Toussie before its completion, legal experts stress that a completed pardon—like Hunter’s—is final.
The Political Fallout
With Biden’s re-election campaign underway, the pardon raises questions about the potential political cost. Critics argue the move feeds into Republican narratives of corruption and favoritism, potentially alienating undecided voters.
Despite the controversy, Biden has stood firm, framing his decision as a father protecting his son, even as the broader implications continue to reverberate across Washington.
