Joe Biden Pardons Son Hunter Biden
President Joe Biden has made the unprecedented decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases. This move comes as a surprise, as President Biden had previously vowed not to use his executive authority to pardon or commute his son’s sentence. Hunter Biden, 54, was potentially facing years in federal prison due to charges related to gun possession and tax fraud. The full and unconditional pardon granted by President Biden has stirred controversy, especially among the GOP, with President-elect Donald Trump calling it an abuse of justice.
Understanding Presidential Pardons
A federal pardon is a power granted to the President of the United States under the Constitution, allowing the president to pardon federal criminal offenses, except those related to impeachment. Clemency acts include amnesty, reprieves, commutations, and pardons, with pardons being the most extensive form of relief. A full pardon absolves the individual from punishment and restores their civil rights, such as the right to vote, run for office, and serve on a jury.
Trump’s Pardons in First Term
During his first presidential term, Donald Trump issued a total of 237 acts of clemency, including 143 pardons and 94 commutations. Some of the high-profile pardons by Trump included individuals like Steve Bannon, Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, Jack Johnson, Michael Flynn, Roger Stone, Albert Pirro, Paul Manafort, and Charles Kushner. A full list of individuals pardoned by Trump can be found on the Department of Justice website.
Potential Pardons for Trump’s Second Term
As Trump considers pardons for his second term, some of the individuals requesting clemency include Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs, Netflix’s Tiger King star Joe Exotic, former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, and rapper Boosie Badazz. Each of these individuals is seeking presidential pardon for various criminal offenses they have been convicted of. The upcoming decisions on these requests will undoubtedly be closely watched and scrutinized by the public and political observers.
