White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden during a press conference aboard Air Force One. Jean-Pierre explained that Biden had wrestled with the decision, ultimately criticizing the “selective prosecution” of his son. The pardon comes after months of Biden stating he would not use his presidential powers to end his son’s legal troubles. The decision to pardon Hunter has drawn criticism from Republicans and some Democrats.
As Biden travels to Angola for a historic visit, the White House is facing backlash over the pardon. Some Democrats, such as New Jersey congressman Josh Gottheimer, have defended the president’s decision, citing political motivations behind the prosecution of Hunter Biden. Republicans, including House speaker Mike Johnson, have condemned the pardon, claiming it has damaged trust in the justice system.
The pardon of Hunter Biden is seen as a controversial move by the White House, with legal experts comparing it to past presidential pardons. President Biden is expected to announce more pardons and grants of clemency in the coming weeks as his term nears its end. The decision to pardon his son has opened up a debate within Congress and amongst the public about the ethics and implications of presidential pardons.
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