President-elect Donald Trump has criticized outgoing President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of gun crimes and tax violations, labeling it a “miscarriage of justice.”
In a Truth Social post, Trump questioned, “Does the pardon Joe gave to Hunter include the January 6 hostages, who have been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of justice!”
The term “J6 hostages” refers to individuals imprisoned for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill riots. Trump and his supporters have described these individuals as hostages, claiming they acted peacefully and patriotically during the event.
Speculation has grown that President-elect Donald Trump may pardon those incarcerated for their roles in the Capitol siege once he assumes office.
Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he had signed a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations. The pardon exempts Hunter from sentencing and eliminates the possibility of prison time.
In a detailed statement, President Biden defended his decision, emphasizing that similar cases—particularly those involving individuals facing tax issues due to addiction—are typically resolved without criminal charges. Biden asserted that Hunter’s prosecution was handled differently, driven by political motivations.
“Today, I signed a pardon for my son, Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word, even as I watched my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted,” Biden stated. “Without aggravating factors such as use in a crime, multiple purchases, or straw purchasing, felony charges for filling out a gun form incorrectly are almost unheard of. People with tax issues caused by addiction, who subsequently pay back taxes with penalties, are rarely criminally charged. It is clear Hunter was treated differently.”
Biden further alleged that the charges were initiated due to pressure from political opponents in Congress, accusing them of influencing the legal process. He also referenced a plea deal negotiated with the Department of Justice that fell apart in court under political pressure.
“The charges only arose after several of my political opponents in Congress pushed for them as a way to attack me and my presidency. A carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed upon by the Department of Justice, collapsed in court due to political interference, with many of these opponents openly claiming credit for pressuring the process. Had the deal held, it would have been a fair and reasonable resolution of Hunter’s cases,” Biden added.
Concluding his remarks, Biden expressed confidence in the justice system but lamented that political interference had led to what he described as a “miscarriage of justice.”
