Will Joe Biden Pardon His Convicted Son Hunter?

As of late, discussions have been heating up around the possibility of former President Joe Biden pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who has been convicted of multiple felonies. It's important to understand the limitations on Joe Biden's power to pardon and the implications it would have on both Hunter and Joe's political career.

Understanding the Legal Context

Joe Biden, like all former U.S. presidents, has the power to grant pardons for federal convictions. In his recent statements, Joe Biden has explicitly stated that he will not pardon his son, Hunter, for his state crimes. This decision is significant because the ability to pardon depends on the type of crimes committed.

State vs. Federal Crimes

Hunter Biden has been convicted of multiple felonies, including crimes that fall under state jurisdiction. Biden can only pardon people for federal crimes, not state crimes. This sets a clear boundary for the scope of his authority.

Presidential Pardons as a Tool for Granting Amnesty

It's common for outgoing presidents to grant pardons to a wide range of individuals as they leave office. This can include political allies, supporters, and even friends and family. However, these pardons must be for federal crimes and cannot be retroactively applied to state crimes.

Potential for Future Pardons

Even after his term as president, former presidents like Joe Biden still have the power to commute sentences. This means they can reduce the time a person must serve in prison. However, there is no guarantee that they will use this power for their close family members.

Political Implications and the White House's Silence

The question of whether Joe Biden will eventually pardon his son or commute his sentence is shrouded in political intrigue. Some have speculated that if Joe Biden loses the next election and Hunter is sentenced to jail time, he might still find a way to reduce his sentence. This could be justified by the argument that the charges against Hunter would not have been brought if his name wasn't Biden.

Joe Biden has publicly declared that he will not pardon his son. However, the White House has not provided any clear statement regarding the possibility of commuting his sentence. This lack of official commentary leaves the possibility open, but also fuels speculation and concern about the presidency's role in the legal process.

Presidential Integrity and the Law

The decision not to pardon or commute a sentence for a family member raises questions about presidential integrity and the perception of judicial fairness. If Joe Biden were to pardon or commute Hunter's sentence, it would set a troubling precedent that being a Biden family member offers special treatment under the law.

Conclusion

Given the current legal and political context, it seems unlikely that Joe Biden will pardon his son, Hunter. His refusal to do so aligns with his stated principles of upholding the rule of law. However, the ongoing silence from the White House regarding the possibility of commuting Hunter's sentence leaves open the door for future developments. If Joe Biden were to take such a step, it would undoubtedly prove controversial and could have serious implications for his political career.