President Joe Biden’s recent decision to pardon his son Hunter, reportedly made in response to the influence of Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), has sparked considerable attention as it marks a shift from his previous commitments.
Despite his initial reservations about granting clemency, Biden was supposedly persuaded by Clyburn and other Democratic Party lawmakers to extend the pardon to his son, as the New York Post reports.
Throughout his presidency, Joe Biden, now 82, maintained a public stance against pardoning his son, Hunter Biden. However, a recent turn of events saw him wrestling with this difficult decision, which eventually led to a grant of the pardon. A critical factor in this change of heart was reportedly the persuasive efforts of Clyburn.
As Biden was reportedly reluctant to make this decision, Clyburn emphasized the importance of addressing the matter at a personal level. According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden has frequently highlighted that family considerations play a central role in his decision-making process, labeling family as the "beginning, middle, and end" of his thoughts.
Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted in June by a federal jury. He was found guilty of three felony charges tied to an incident from 2018, where he falsified information on a gun purchase form regarding his drug use. This situation had placed President Biden under increasing pressure, compounded by internal party dynamics.
The 84-year-old Clyburn's visit to the White House turned out to be significantly influential in altering Biden's perspective. The discussions about Hunter's potential pardon took place two weeks before Biden officially issued the grant. Despite Clyburn’s vigorous advocacy, he noted Biden’s unease during their discussions, mentioning, “The president was reticent” when it came to encouraging him to pardon his own son.
Following Hunter's pardon, Clyburn has actively continued his advocacy for broader clemency measures. He has been a vocal advocate for additional pardons as Biden’s term concludes. Clyburn’s proposals have not been limited to Hunter’s situation. He has also advocated for pre-emptive pardons for multiple current and former officials who might face impending challenges amidst the incoming administration led by President-elect Donald Trump.
With Trump set to take office again, there is an increasing dialogue within the higher echelons of the White House on potential pre-emptive pardons purportedly aimed at protecting Trump critics. Clyburn has proposed extending these pardons to individuals linked to Trump’s federal legal cases, as well as those who served on the House Jan. 6 committee.
Other potential pardon candidates include Sen.-elect Adam Schiff and retired Gen. Mark Milley, alongside Anthony Fauci. While debate ensues among senior officials, the possibility of issuing these protective pardons is reportedly gaining momentum.
Clyburn has further suggested contemplating a pardon for Donald Trump himself. He noted, “[..] I could, absolutely,” reflecting his acknowledgment of the complex legal landscape surrounding Trump, particularly following his conviction of criminal fraud in a New York case, though sentencing has been indefinitely delayed.
As speculation about these pardons continues, the implications for the incoming Trump administration remain significant. Strategizing around potential legal challenges may shape the landscape for government officials both inside and outside of the party atmosphere.
White House insiders are reportedly weighing the merits and potential risks associated with such pardons, understanding that each decision could set a precedent for future administrations.
The discourse around Biden’s pardons -- past, present, and future -- is not just a matter of policy but also one of personal conviction and broader political strategy. As Biden navigates his presidency's waning months, decisions made regarding these pardons will carry lasting effects on his legacy and the political fabric he leaves behind.
