President Joe Biden’s decision to grant a sweeping pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, has drawn criticism not only from Republicans but also from within his own Democratic Party. While many sympathised with the president’s familial loyalty, others expressed concern over the impact on public trust and the precedent it sets.
Hunter Biden’s pardon covers any potential crimes committed between 2014 and December 2024, shielding him from legal consequences related to tax and firearms charges that previously led to convictions. The president defended his decision, accusing Republicans of unfairly targeting his son and using the justice system for political gain.
“As a father, I get it,” Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) wrote on X. “But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, it’s a setback.” Similarly, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) said the decision “put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.”
Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) was blunt in his critique, saying, “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis also criticised the decision, calling it a “bad precedent” that could be exploited by future presidents. “While as a father I certainly understand [Biden’s] natural desire to help his son, this will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Polis said.
Despite the criticism, some Democrats defended Biden’s actions. Former Attorney General Eric Holder argued that Hunter’s prosecution was excessive. “No [U.S. attorney] would have charged this case given the underlying facts,” Holder wrote on X, adding that the resolution would have been a declination if Hunter had not been the president’s son.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) shared mixed views, acknowledging both the disproportionate scrutiny Hunter faced and the risks of granting the pardon. “This is going to be used against us when we’re fighting the misuses coming from the Trump administration,” Ivey said during an interview with CNN.
The pardon has reignited debates over fairness in the justice system and raised questions about how it could influence future administrations’ handling of presidential pardons. For now, it has sparked unease within both parties, reflecting broader concerns about the role of personal loyalty in public service.
