How Trump Pushed Joe Biden To Pardon His Son?

December 5, 2024 by Krishna Patel

Table of Contents

President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has caused a big stir in Washington. The pardon covers a 10-year period and all potential crimes. This move is seen as controversial because Biden said he wouldn’t use his powers for his family.

This decision came after a lot of criticism from former President Donald Trump and his supporters. They raised questions about the use of presidential pardons. This has made people wonder about the future of these pardons.

Key Takeaways

President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering a 10-year period and all potential crimes.
This decision came after criticism and pressure from former President Donald Trump and his allies.
Biden had previously stated he would not use his powers to benefit his family, making this pardon controversial.
The pardon has raised questions about the use of presidential pardons and their implications for future administrations.
Hunter Biden was facing legal troubles, including charges related to tax evasion and a false statement on a gun purchase form.

The Controversial Presidential Pardon and Its Immediate Impact

President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has caused a lot of controversy. This move went against what Biden said earlier, promising not to interfere with the Justice Department’s work. The pardon, for federal felony gun and tax convictions, has upset both Democrats and Republicans.

Biden’s Reversal on Previous Statements

Biden’s choice to pardon his son surprised many. It went against his earlier promise to keep the Justice Department independent. This change has made people question the trust in government and the justice system.

Public and Political Reaction to the Pardon

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the pardon. Democrats worry it might harm Biden’s legacy and ability to counter Trump’s legal actions. Republicans see it as a “sweetheart deal.”

Trump Campaign’s Fundraising Response

The Trump campaign quickly used the controversy to raise money. They sent emails to supporters, calling the pardon “the sweet heart deal of the century.” This shows how Biden’s decision has sparked more political tension.

President	Clemency Actions	Pardons	Commutations
Obama	1,927	212	1,715
George W. Bush	200	189	11
Trump	237	143	94
Biden	157	25	132

The Hunter Biden pardon has led to a big debate on presidential clemency. It has raised questions about the impact on the Biden administration’s political backlash and the Trump campaign’s chances to use it for their advantage.

Joe Biden’s Defense and Claims of Selective Prosecution

President Joe Biden has defended his decision to pardon his son. He claims the Justice Department made a “miscarriage of justice” in prosecuting Hunter Biden. Biden says his son was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and treated differently than others.

Biden’s words echo former President Donald Trump’s complaints about his legal issues. This could blur the lines between their situations. His claims of selective prosecution worry about the future of justice in big cases.

But, the facts are different. Just hours after the pardon, prosecutors in David Weiss’ office spoke out. They said eleven different federal judges appointed by six different presidents rejected Hunter Biden’s claims of selective and vindictive prosecution.

Also, Hunter Biden was convicted on federal gun charges and pleaded guilty to tax-related charges. The tax case was in California, and the court found Hunter Biden’s claims of vindictive prosecution baseless.

“There was never any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in the case,” stated David Weiss, the justice department special counsel who prosecuted Hunter Biden.

Despite the President’s claims, evidence shows the Justice Department acted fairly. The investigation was thorough and impartial. The pardon and Biden’s claims have sparked a big debate about the presidency and justice.

Trump’s Legal Team’s Strategic Response

As Trump and Biden’s legal fight grew, Trump’s lawyers used Hunter Biden’s pardon to support their case. They asked to drop Trump’s Manhattan case, saying it could mess up the transition. They claimed it was because of presidential immunity.

Constitutional Arguments Presented

Trump’s team said the state case against him could harm the federal government. They argued that the U.S. Constitution stops state judges from getting in the way of a president’s work.

Connections to Trump’s Own Legal Battles

Trump’s lawyers compared Biden’s situation to Trump’s own. They said Trump’s case was unfair and against the law. They wanted to make sure the power transfer went smoothly, following a DOJ rule.

Timing and Electoral Implications

These legal moves came after Trump won the election. It made the legal and political scene even more complex. Trump’s team was working on background checks for his nominees, but they planned to skip full vetting.

The fight in court was still going on. The results of these legal battles could greatly affect the transition and the political scene.

Historical Context of Presidential Pardons

Presidents have long used pardons for family and friends. For example, Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for drug charges before leaving office. Donald Trump also pardoned his supporters and family, like Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner’s father.

President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has caused a stir. It’s one of the closest family pardons in history. This has led to debates about the ethics and potential misuse of clemency powers and previous presidential pardons, especially for pardoning family members.

President	Pardons Issued	Notable Pardons
Franklin D. Roosevelt	3,687	N/A
Barack Obama	212 pardons, 1,715 commutations	Focused on non-violent drug offenders
Donald Trump	143 pardons, 94 commutations	Pardoned political allies and figures like Charles Kushner, Steve Bannon, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone
Joe Biden	26 pardons	Pardoned his son, Hunter Biden

The tradition of presidential pardons began with George Washington in 1795. Presidents have used this power in many ways. For example, Ford pardoned Nixon after Watergate, and Carter pardoned Vietnam draft dodgers.

The Biden administration’s pardon of Hunter Biden has sparked debate. It shows the power of clemency powers can be used for good or bad. This raises questions about when it’s right to use this presidential power.

Also Read: Hunter Biden Pardon Sparks Trump Weaponization Claims

Conclusion

President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has big implications. It affects the current administration and how future presidents use pardons. This move has sparked debates about the limits of executive clemency, especially when it involves family.

The pardon’s scope, covering many charges over a decade, is similar to Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. This could change how future presidents use pardons. It might also affect public trust in the legal system and its fairness.

With former President Donald Trump set to return, the impact of Biden’s pardon is still unclear. It shows how the presidency’s power, the justice system’s independence, and fairness in democracy all interact. This case is a complex example of these interactions.

FAQs

Q: How did Trump influence Joe Biden regarding a pardon for his son?

A: Trump used political pressure to create a narrative suggesting that President Biden should consider a pardon for his son, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

Q: What role does Kamala Harris play in the Biden administration?

A: As the vice president, Kamala Harris supports President Biden in his initiatives and policies, particularly in areas like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Build Back Better plan.

Q: What was the context of Biden’s presidency during Trump’s influence?

A: Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States in January 2021, navigating a complex political landscape shaped by Trump’s previous administration and ongoing issues, including those related to Ukraine and Gaza.

Q: Why is the Biden family in the news concerning political pressure?

A: The Biden family, particularly Hunter Biden, has been under scrutiny and political pressure from Republican lawmakers, leading to discussions about potential pardons and their implications for the 2024 election.

Q: What are the implications of a pardon for Hunter Biden?

A: A pardon could shield Hunter Biden from potential legal repercussions, which may have significant implications for President Biden’s 2024 campaign and his ability to unite the Democratic base.

Q: How does the Biden administration plan to deal with the political fallout concerning pardons?

A: The Biden administration is expected to navigate carefully to maintain public trust while addressing the concerns of the American people regarding legal and ethical issues surrounding the Biden family.

Q: How important is the 2024 presidential election for Biden’s presidency?

A: The 2024 presidential election is crucial for Biden as it will determine his ability to continue his agenda and further the initiatives he has started, such as the Affordable Care Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

Q: What strategies might President Biden employ to stay connected with voters?

A: To stay connected, President Biden may focus on direct communication with the American people through town halls, social media, and addressing key issues like inflation and healthcare reform.

Q: What are the potential consequences of Biden’s decisions regarding his son?

A: Decisions regarding Hunter Biden could have significant ramifications for Biden’s political legacy and the perception of his administration, particularly with respect to transparency and accountability.

Q: How does the inauguration of President Biden relate to Trump’s influence?

A: The inauguration of President Biden marked a shift in leadership, yet the lingering influence of Trump continues to impact political discourse and decisions within the Biden administration.

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