In a dramatic turn of events, outgoing US President Joe Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted earlier this year of federal gun and tax offenses. The decision, announced on December 1, marks a stark reversal of Biden’s previous public stance, where he had assured Americans that he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles.

Hunter Biden’s legal woes began with his conviction in June on three felony charges linked to the purchase of a revolver in 2018. Prosecutors argued that Hunter lied on federal paperwork by declaring he was not addicted to or using illegal drugs, a claim contradicted by his admitted substance abuse issues during that time.

In a separate case, Hunter pleaded guilty to three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax charges in September, admitting to failing to pay significant sums in federal taxes. The sentencing for these charges was expected to occur in December. However, the presidential pardon nullifies both cases, shielding Hunter Biden from any criminal penalties related to these convictions.

President Biden’s pardon was sweeping in its coverage. The official statement described the clemency as a “full and unconditional pardon” for offenses Hunter Biden “has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” This broad phrasing not only absolves Hunter of his current convictions but also precludes any future prosecutions for offenses within this timeframe, including those not yet brought to light.

In his........

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