"Jeongjeogi Marks Coordinates" White House's Weak Excuse for Pardoning Biden's Second Son

White House Spokesperson: "Pardon Due to Political Rivalry"
Criticism Within Democratic Party: "Not a Political Prosecution"

U.S. President Joe Biden, 50 days before the end of his term, pardoned his second son Hunter Biden, who was convicted of illegal gun possession and tax evasion. The White House explained that this was a measure to block political attacks from opponents. Criticism of Biden’s use of pardon power has arisen not only from the Republican Party but also within the Democratic Party, with Washington political circles pointing to accusations of double standards.

On the 2nd (local time), White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, "One of the reasons the president issued the pardon was because he believed his opponents would not just let it (the Hunter Biden issue) go." She added, "He trusts the judicial system, but because Hunter’s last name is Biden and Hunter is the president’s son, he believed he was singled out. So he made this (pardon) decision."

When asked whether Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, would have issued the pardon if she won the election, she replied, "I can say no."

Jean-Pierre said, "The president made this decision over the weekend," and "He wrestled with the issue."

First Lady Jill Biden, attending a White House event that day, was asked about Hunter Biden’s pardon and stated, "I support my son’s pardon."

Previously, President Biden had expressed that there would be no pardons or sentence reductions for his son. However, just 50 days before the end of his term, he reversed his previous stance and decided to pardon Hunter Biden the day before, sparking controversy. Additionally, having criticized then-President-elect Donald Trump for inciting the January 6 Capitol riot by refusing to accept the 2020 election results as a "threat to democracy," Biden now faces intensified criticism that he abused his pardon power for his family.

The controversy is growing even within the Democratic Party to which President Biden belongs. Arizona Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton criticized on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) the day before, stating, "This is not a politically motivated prosecution," and "Hunter committed a felony and was convicted by a jury." Colorado Governor Jared Polis, also a Democrat, posted on X expressing disappointment, saying, "Prioritizing family over the country is disappointing," and emphasized, "This sets a bad precedent that future presidents could abuse."

Above all, President Biden’s decision may weaken the Democratic Party’s grounds to oppose Trump’s use of pardon power for himself and his supporters after taking office. Trump is expected to pardon defendants related to the January 6 Capitol riot as he previously promised after his inauguration on January 20 next year, and it appears the Democratic Party will find it difficult to oppose this.