Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) recently reflected on President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter, pointing out the twists and turns of the presidential election cycle.
Biden announced on Sunday that he would pardon Hunter Biden on federal gun and tax charges, but he had previously vowed not to get involved in his son's legal battles. The White House said the reversal was related to President-elect Trump's retaliatory comments.
“He said it over and over and over again. Before he challenged the president-elect in the Republican presidential primary and withdrew, Haley said Friday on his SiriusXM show, “I'm going to forgive my son. “No,” he said, “but for all those who say this.” He's a parent.'' We feel like we'd do anything for our kids, but he didn't have to say that. ”
“So you have to ask yourself, why did he suddenly do that when he said he wasn't? That's because he's president again and he's pushing the verdict the way he wants.” I think it was because I thought I could do it,” she later added.
Haley said Biden likely assumed that either he or Vice President Harris would win the 2024 presidential election, which is why the younger Biden was accused of using a firearm later this month. He said it was now possible to delay the sentencing.
“He was trying to make sure he never served any time in prison. I think that's why he did it because he thought from the beginning that he would become president. Or that he thought from the beginning that Kamala would become president and still be able to push. And I think that's when it didn't happen,” she said Friday.
“I think push came with push and, you know, he had to do it,” Haley added.
Mr. Biden withdrew his bid for re-election in late July, ending a 50-year political career and endorsing Ms. Harris as the star of his campaign. The decision came after he faced pressure from Democrats to resign following his disastrous debate performance against Trump in June.
The vice president had strong momentum in the early stages of the campaign, but the race ultimately went to Trump.
The president-elect, whose threats of retaliation have garnered attention, also criticized the president for pardoning his son. President Trump called the move an “abuse and misuse of justice.”
In addition to pardoning Hunter, Biden is also discussing with his team the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons for some of Trump's vocal critics, the people said. Democrats, who appear divided on the idea, are pressuring the president to grant more pardons.
