Some disgruntled Democrats are reportedly considering putting a hold on President Biden's future presidential library donations over Hunter Biden's pardon.
“If they had worked together, they would have been working on this over the summer right after he announced his resignation,” said an anonymous Democrat. told Axios. “It's already too late. I hope they set their expectations and budget properly.”
Several Democrats have expressed dissatisfaction with the pardon announced by the president shortly before Hunter's sentencing on Sunday. Biden has repeatedly said he has no plans to pardon Hunter.
According to Axios, Biden's presidential library will likely be built in Delaware and will be led by chief of staff Annie Tomasini and first lady Jill Biden's top aide Anthony Bernal.
Biden twice said he would not forgive his son Hunter Biden
President Biden could lose future presidential library funding over Hunter Biden's pardon, according to a report from Axios. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
“No, that sentiment has never come up in any single donor conversation, and work is progressing well,” a person familiar with Biden's plans told the outlet, adding that Democrats' sentiments denied.
As fathers themselves, Democratic lawmakers said they understood Biden's decision, but acknowledged it undermined their commitment to the rule of law.
“President Biden's decision puts personal gain above duty and further undermines the American people's trust that our justice system is fair and equal for all,” said Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo. ” he said.
“I respect President Biden, but I think he got this wrong,” said Rep. Greg Stanton, an Arizona Democrat. “This was not a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed a felony and was convicted by a jury of his peers.”
Axios reported that Democrats were unhappy with the timing of Hunter's pardon, saying the president could have waited until closer to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
For more information on media and culture, click here
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs from the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 3, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Prominent Democratic governors considered potential candidates in 2028, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and California Governor Gavin Newsom, both criticized the Hunter pardon.
“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 in the family of the nation.” said Polis, referring to the Latin word for head of household. “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. ”
“Given everything the president and his family have been through, I completely understand the instinct to want to protect Hunter,” Newsom told Politico on Tuesday. “But I took the president at his word. So, understandably, I am disappointed and cannot support this decision.”
Rep. James Clyburn (D.C.) said in an interview with CNN that he urged Mr. Biden to grant the pardon.
“I'm totally fine with it. I don't know how many people encouraged him to do it, but I did it,” Clyburn declared on the show.
Rep. James Clyburn, D.C., told CNN on Tuesday that he urged President Biden to pardon Hunter Biden. (Screenshot/CNN)
White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates provided the same statement to Axios to Fox News Digital, saying the president “continues to make historic progress every day.”
“President Biden continues to deliver historic progress every day, and his legacy will benefit Americans for generations to come. With a sure hand, we will lead us out of COVID-19 and with American manufacturing. Bringing business back to Japan from overseas and Defeated Big Pharma to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, save lives with the most comprehensive gun reform in 30 years, and take the most significant action to combat climate change of any kind in 70 years. “We rebuilt our country with infrastructure improvements,” Bates said.
A source familiar with Biden's post-presidential plans also told Fox News Digital: “No, that sentiment has not come up in any single donor conversation and work is progressing well. ” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
FOX News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.
