Joe Biden Pardoned his son Hunter Biden

On December 2, Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, covering his convictions for firearm-related charges and tax evasion, as well as federal crimes from 2014 to 2024. The charges stemmed from drug addiction and extravagant spending, with Republicans accusing the President of favouritism.

A previous plea deal sparing Hunter Biden from a gun conviction was rejected by a judge. While the pardon shields him from federal prosecution, it does not protect against state charges and may compel his testimony in probes into Biden family dealings.

Article II of the U.S. Constitution gives the President the power to grant pardons, reprieves, amnesties, computations and remissions for federal offences, excluding impeachment cases. This power is based on English royal traditions and is solely vested interest by the President, without congressional approval.