I support President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter, who faced felony convictions related to federal tax evasion and gun offenses.

This pardon was crucial for the president to shield his son from potential political revenge by the incoming Trump administration.

Both sides of the political spectrum have voiced their dissent regarding the pardon. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., criticized Biden via Twitter, stating, “Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his family’s corrupt influence peddling activities. He falsely claimed he never met with his son’s foreign business partners, insisted his son did nothing wrong, and also lied by saying he wouldn’t pardon Hunter Biden.”

Senator Michael Bennet, D-Colo., expressed that Biden’s pardon prioritized personal interests over responsibilities and further damages Americans’ trust in a fair and equal justice system.

Hunter Biden’s legal troubles highlight issues within America’s criminal justice system

Hunter Biden’s situation illustrates deep flaws within the U.S. justice system—expensive and time-consuming investigations, a lack of meaningful reforms, and biases that disproportionately affect specific groups.

To be clear, Hunter Biden is far from innocent.

His legal troubles go back to 2014, influenced significantly by a struggle with drug addiction that led to falsifying federal documents and illegally acquiring a firearm. He also admitted guilt for tax evasion.

The investigations into Hunter were conducted by the Justice Department while Biden was in office. Hunter did not receive any preferential treatment, and the president refrained from interfering in his son’s legal matters.

Pardons have been a common practice among past presidents. Some have been granted to address injustices, while others aim to shield individuals from excessive penalties. President Biden’s use of this power is in line with that tradition.

By granting the pardon just before sentencing, the president defended his son from becoming a pawn in partisan disputes. President-elect Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to exploit government agencies against his political opponents.

Critics say this pardon sets a dangerous precedent, but in reality, it does the opposite. President Biden’s action was not merely an act of favoritism; it was a display of leadership during challenging times.

Similar pardons by Presidents Trump and Clinton

Biden isn’t the only president to pardon a family member.

During his first term, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, after Kushner was found guilty of filing false tax returns, witness tampering, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission in 2005. Trump has since appointed Charles Kushner as the next U.S. ambassador to France.

Former President Bill Clinton similarly pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton on his final day in office, January 20, 2001. Roger had served one year in prison on drug charges, including selling cocaine to an undercover officer, according to The Washington Post.

By allowing the legal process to unfold until just before sentencing, the Biden administration upheld its commitment to justice. The subsequent pardon assured that his son wouldn’t be turned into a political pawn.

Through the pardon of Hunter, President Biden has highlighted the need for both accountability and compassion within the legal framework. Protecting a community also requires nurturing it in times of adversity.