Biden's Legal Battle: Son's Shadow Of Doubt

Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, in December 2024, raising questions about the politicization of the justice system. The pardon covered Hunter's federal gun and tax convictions and any other potential federal crimes committed between 2014 and 2024. This decision was surprising given Biden's previous pledges not to pardon his son and his promises to restore respect for the rule of law. The move has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans as a stain on Biden's legacy, with some arguing that it sets a problematic precedent for future presidential pardons.

Hunter Biden's tax affairs

Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, has been under federal investigation for his tax affairs since late 2018. The investigation is being carried out by the Delaware US Attorney's office and involves the IRS Criminal Investigation agency and the FBI.

The investigation focuses on Hunter Biden's overseas business dealings, particularly in China and Ukraine, and whether he violated tax and money laundering laws. There are also inquiries into potential counterintelligence concerns, as some of his transactions involved individuals flagged by the FBI.

In September 2024, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all nine charges in his federal tax evasion case, including three felony tax offences and six misdemeanour offences. The charges included tax evasion and filing false returns, with prosecutors alleging he failed to pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes from 2016 to 2019. He faced up to 17 years in prison and was scheduled for sentencing on December 16, 2024.

However, on December 1, 2024, President Joe Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon for his son, covering all federal offences committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This included the tax charges, as well as gun charges and any other potential crimes committed during that period. The pardon was criticised by some members of Congress as harming the justice system, especially since President Biden had previously stated he would not pardon his son.

Hunter Biden's gun charges

In June 2024, Hunter Biden was convicted of three federal firearms-related felony charges. The charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018, when prosecutors argued that Biden lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

Biden's trial played out in his father's home state of Delaware, where he grew up and where the family is deeply established. The trial featured deeply personal testimony from former romantic partners and embarrassing evidence such as text messages and photos of Biden with drug paraphernalia or partially clothed.

Biden's conviction came just weeks after Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges related to a hush-money payment to a porn actor in the 2016 campaign. However, it is important to note that the cases are not the same, and Biden is a private citizen who is not running for office.

In December 2024, Biden was pardoned by his father, President Joe Biden, for all federal offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, including any potential offenses not yet discovered. The pardon covered Biden's gun charges and tax charges, for which he had pleaded guilty in September 2024.

Joe Biden's pledge to not pardon his son

Joe Biden had repeatedly pledged not to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who faced federal charges related to tax evasion and unlawful possession of a firearm. However, in December 2024, Biden pardoned his son for all federal offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, including tax and gun charges. This decision sparked criticism and accusations of politicizing justice, as it contradicted Biden's previous promises.

Biden defended his decision by stating that his son had been "selectively and unfairly prosecuted" and that political pressure had caused a plea deal to fail. He also emphasized his belief in the justice system while acknowledging the influence of "raw politics" in the process. The pardon was met with backlash, including from members of Congress, who argued that it harmed the justice system.

Biden's pardon of Hunter has broader implications for the perception of justice in the country. It provides ammunition for critics of Biden, who accuse him of politicizing the justice system, similar to the accusations leveled against former President Donald Trump. The pardon also raises questions about the fairness of the system, as it can be perceived as preferential treatment for the President's son.

Biden's reversal on his pledge not to pardon his son has sparked a debate about the appropriate use of presidential pardon powers. While some may view it as a compassionate act of a father, others argue that it undermines the rule of law and sets a problematic precedent for future presidents. The pardon has become a contentious issue, reflecting the complex dynamics between family loyalty and political integrity in the highest office of the United States.

Joe Biden's legacy

Biden's decision to pardon his son has been defended by some as a father's act of protection for his son, a recovering addict. Additionally, Biden himself has argued that his son was unfairly targeted due to his relationship with the President. However, others argue that Hunter put himself in a position that created a conflict of interest for his father and raised serious ethical questions about the family's business dealings.

The pardon has also been compared to Donald Trump's use of pardons during his first term in office, including for his daughter's father-in-law and multiple allies. This comparison has been used by both sides of the political spectrum to argue that the other is responsible for politicising the justice system.

Ultimately, the impact of the pardon on Biden's legacy remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a complex layer to the public's perception of his presidency.

Hunter Biden's business dealings

Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, has been involved in a variety of business dealings, some of which have raised ethical questions and resulted in criminal charges. Here is a summary of his notable business endeavours:

BHR Partners: Hunter Biden was a founding board member of BHR Partners, a Chinese investment firm, in 2013. He acquired a 10% stake in the company in 2017. BHR Partners invests in tech startups and cross-border acquisitions, such as the purchase of a stake in a Congolese mining company. Hunter's involvement with BHR Partners has drawn scrutiny due to potential conflicts of interest with his father's political role. Newly surfaced photos show Hunter introducing his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, to his Chinese business associates, including BHR executives.

Burisma Holdings: Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian natural gas producer, from 2014 to 2019. His role with Burisma raised concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest, as his father, Joe Biden, played a major role in US policy towards Ukraine. Hunter Biden was accused of using his father's influence to benefit Burisma, but no evidence of wrongdoing was found.

Other Business Ventures: Hunter Biden has been involved in various other business ventures, including serving as a lobbyist and legal representative for lobbying firms, working as a hedge fund principal, and investing in venture capital and private equity funds. He founded Seneca Global Advisors, a consultancy company offering expansion advice to foreign markets, and co-founded investment firms Rosemont Seneca Partners and Eudora Global. He has also faced scrutiny for his involvement with CEFC China Energy, a Chinese energy company with links to the Chinese Communist Party.

Criminal Charges and Pardon: Hunter Biden faced criminal charges related to tax evasion, firearms possession, and drug use. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to tax evasion and firearms-related charges. In December 2024, President Joe Biden pardoned his son for all federal offences committed between 2014 and 2024, including any potential offences not yet discovered. The pardon was controversial and criticised by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

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