Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi voiced her support for President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, even as the move sparked outrage among many members of the Democratic Party.
"I support the President," Pelosi said during an interview on December 4, when asked about Biden’s decision to pardon his son. When pressed for clarification on whether she supported Biden or the pardon itself, Pelosi replied, "Yes, I support the pardon."
President Biden announced the pardon for Hunter on December 1, reversing his prior commitment not to intervene in his son’s legal troubles. The President justified the decision by claiming the charges against Hunter were politically motivated, prompting him to protect his son. Pelosi’s statement marked a rare show of public support for Biden in recent months. The two have reportedly not spoken since Pelosi advised Biden to step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to run for president, a bid that ultimately ended in Harris losing to Donald Trump.
Pelosi's remarks stand in stark contrast to the opinions of many within the Democratic Party. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar publicly criticized Biden's decision on December 4.
"As a father, I empathize with the President's decision. But as someone who has spent considerable time on this podium emphasizing the importance of the rule of law, I am deeply disappointed," Aguilar said.
Aguilar accused Biden of breaking his word, highlighting that the President had previously pledged not to interfere in judicial proceedings or pardon his son. He argued that the pardon complicates the Democratic Party’s efforts to criticize President-elect Donald Trump or members of his incoming administration for legal or ethical violations.
"This is disappointing. I trusted him," Aguilar added.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded to Biden's move on December 3 by advocating for broader pardons for non-violent offenses.
"In his final weeks in office, President Biden should demonstrate the profound compassion he has always embodied, not only for his son but also for working-class individuals in the federal prison system. Their lives have been ruined by unjust prosecutions for non-violent offenses," Jeffries said in a statement.
Hunter Biden's Legal Troubles
Hunter Biden, 54, is the sole surviving son of President Biden following the death of Beau Biden from brain cancer in 2015. In June, a federal jury in Wilmington, Delaware, convicted Hunter of three serious charges related to purchasing a handgun while addicted to drugs in 2018. He was scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.
In September, Hunter admitted to nine additional charges, including failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes while spending extravagantly on drugs, prostitutes, and luxury goods. With his father’s unconditional pardon, Hunter will be cleared of all legal troubles before sentencing even occurs.
The sweeping pardon has divided opinion, drawing praise from some, like Pelosi, but also igniting criticism from within the Democratic Party and beyond. As Biden prepares to leave office, the decision remains a contentious chapter in his presidency, raising questions about the boundaries of presidential authority and familial loyalty.
(According to Hill, CNN)
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