WASHINGTON – President Biden made his first public appearance since pardoning his son Hunter on Sunday night, saluting onlookers from the top deck of Air Force One.
Biden, 82, made the patriotic gesture after climbing the short flight of stairs to the presidential plane as he departed on an official visit to Angola.
The outgoing commander-in-chief also gave a thumbs up and blew a kiss (though it's unclear to whom), ignoring journalists' shouted questions about the unprecedented pardon.
In a statement more than two hours ago, Biden defiantly claimed that Hunter, 54, had been “selectively and unfairly prosecuted.”
Joe Biden was the subject of a House impeachment inquiry because of his own repeated role in Hunter's overseas business relationships, including dealings with Ukraine and two Chinese state-owned companies.
The pardon quickly became controversial, with Democrats saying the decision undermined Biden's insistence that Americans should respect the legal system.
“This is a bad precedent that could be exploited by future presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Once you become president, your role is to be part of the Pater family across America. ” said Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colo.).
“Hunter brought upon himself the legal problems he faced, and one can sympathize with his struggle while at the same time recognizing that no one is above the law, including the president and the president's son. ”
