Trump Criticizes Biden’s Pardon of Hunter Biden, Calls It Unfair

President Joe Biden surprised the nation on Sunday by pardoning his son, Hunter Biden—a move he previously said he wouldn’t make. The decision quickly sparked backlash, including sharp criticism from President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump took to Truth Social, questioning why Biden’s pardon didn’t extend to January 6 protesters. “Does the pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?” Trump wrote. “Such an abuse and miscarriage of justice!”

Trump’s team also criticized the pardon. Steven Cheung, set to become Trump’s White House communications chief, accused Democrats of using the justice system unfairly.

“The witch hunts against President Trump have proven that Democrats are using the justice system as a weapon,” Cheung said in a statement to Fox News. “President Trump will fix this broken system and make sure everyone gets fair treatment when he returns to the White House.”

Biden Explains His Decision

Earlier on Sunday, Biden defended his decision, saying Hunter had been treated unfairly by prosecutors. Hunter Biden was convicted of three gun-related felonies earlier this year and pleaded guilty to tax crimes in September.

“From the day I took office, I said I wouldn’t interfere with the Justice Department’s work,” Biden said. “I kept that promise even as I watched my son face selective and unfair prosecution.”

Biden argued that most people with similar cases—like gun form errors or late taxes paid back with penalties—aren’t charged with crimes. He also mentioned Hunter’s struggle with addiction and his recovery.

“There has been an effort to break Hunter—who has been sober for five and a half years—through relentless attacks,” Biden said. “In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me. Enough is enough.”

The pardon surprised many, as Biden had previously said he wouldn’t pardon his son. After Hunter’s conviction, Biden stated, “I will abide by the jury’s decision.”

Trump has called Hunter’s legal issues “sad” but previously said he wouldn’t get involved in his cases if elected. “I wouldn’t do anything overt,” Trump told Fox News earlier this year.

Biden’s decision adds new tension to an already heated political landscape. As the 2024 election nears, the pardon raises questions about whether voters will see it as a compassionate act or an abuse of power.