President Biden still insists “I meant what I said” when he vowed not to pardon his son Hunter, and in new interview raises precedent for future presidents to “abuse” pardon power. He admitted that he was hoping it wouldn't happen.
The president had repeatedly promised not to pardon his son, but last month reversed course and granted all crimes against the United States that Hunter committed or may have committed between January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2024. granted amnesty. From judgments in federal tax and firearms felony cases.
Mr. Biden had been praised by Democrats and media liberals for protecting the integrity of the justice system by not using his influence to help his own family, but the move angered even some of Mr. Biden's own supporters. I was furious.
at the exit USA Today interview The article, published Wednesday, defended one of the most controversial actions of his presidency, but he appeared to forget the timeline of his son's actions, according to the record.
U.S. President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden embrace on stage at the end of the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on August 19, 2024. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski) /AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Hunter Biden pardon: Media hits credibility with failed reporting on broken promise
Susan Page of USA Today told Biden, “Speaking of pardons, I can understand why any parent would want to protect their son.” “Are you concerned that your pardon for Hunter sets a precedent for future presidents? A precedent that could be exploited?”
“When I was asked if I was going to forgive my son, I meant it, and I hope that's not the case,” Biden said. “But then we found out two factors. One, he paid all his taxes. He paid late. He was battling a drug problem. And he He got over it. He's been sane and sober for almost six years now. This goes back to 80, excuse me, 2000…how many years ago was that? He paid for everything. It was.
“And the fact that there were hundreds of people who had just $300,000, $400,000, $500,000 and were still active in civil matters. He paid all his taxes. He paid all his taxes. He paid. He paid. He was late. He was in court throughout the agreed plea deal. ”
FILE – President Joe Biden walks with his son Hunter Biden in a Team USA jacket to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on July 26, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Hunter Biden says his mistake was 'exploited' as a political sport, and says he won't forgive him as a matter of course
Biden said he intervened because he believed his son was being subjected to a double standard. One of Hunter's convictions was for buying a gun in 2018 and lying on paperwork by claiming he wasn't using or dependent on drugs at the time.
“And the next thing I knew, back then, when you bought a gun, if you were under the influence of anything, you had to sign a document,” the president told USA Today. “Well, I don't even know if they signed the papers properly. But the point is, no one has ever gone to trial for that before. No one. And they've done it for that. They could have put him in jail for X amount of years.''He had it for 10 days, no weapons, no bullets, no travel, no vacation, and no one was brought to justice for that. It was. ”
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Biden added in the interview that he is considering pre-emptive pardons for prominent Trump presidents such as Anthony Fauci and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney.
President Biden has said he is considering preemptive pardons based on who President-elect Donald Trump nominates for key positions. (Getty Images)
“It depends a little bit on who he puts in what position,” he said. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel to head the FBI and Pam Bondi to head the Justice Department, but both must be confirmed by the Senate.
Biden's pardon of Hunter was defended by some as a natural step for a protector of his own family, but many celebrities saw it as a frenzy that would damage the White House and the president's legacy. He scoffed.
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“Everyone looks stupid,” Pod Save America co-organizer and former Obama aide Tommy Vieter said at the time. “Everyone seems flawed on their own — and Republicans are using this to argue that it was politics as usual when Democrats warned about President Trump's corruption and threat to governance and democracy.” I intend to.”
Biden could not have been more blunt last year when he said he had no intention of pardoning his son. Ask ABC's David Muir If that were to be ruled out, he said yes.
