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‘A president can’t put his own family above the law’: Why readers disagree with Biden’s decision to pardon his son
More than 1,200 readers responded to our poll. Here’s why many said President Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter, was “hypocritical.”
President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, a move that many Boston.com readers called “hypocritical.”
Biden had previously stated that he would not pardon his son, who was facing sentencing this month for gun and tax violations. But in an about-face on Sunday, the president reversed his long-held stance and issued a sweeping pardon for his son.
The pardon covers Hunter Biden’s convictions in two federal cases – one in Delaware and another in California – and also extends to any potential “offenses against the United States” that he may have committed or been involved in between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. The judges in the two federal cases were both appointed by President Trump, and Hunter has argued that he was unfairly targeted due to his being the president’s son.
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When we asked Boston.com readers to weigh in on Monday, more than 1,200 responded to our poll. Sixty-five percent said they disagreed with the president’s decision to pardon his son, while 35% were in agreement.
President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter. Do you agree?
Yes, I agree
35%
No, I disagree
65%
Many readers against President Joe Biden’s decision argued no one – not even the president’s son – is above the law, and Hunter should not have been pardoned.
“Hunter was convicted in a court of law. Whether or not he was targeted by Republicans in Congress, a conviction is a conviction,” reader Chris V. from Medfield said.
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But others who agreed with the pardoning said that Joe Biden was right to pardon his son, particularly ahead of the upcoming Trump presidency.
“Under normal circumstances, [Biden] shouldn’t have [pardoned Hunter], but with a new administration bent on punishing political enemies, we are not in normal circumstances,” reader Dave M. from Natick said.
Below, readers share why they think President Joe Biden was right or wrong to pardon his son, Hunter.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter. Do you agree?
No, I disagree
“A president can’t put his own family above the law.” – David R., Lunenburg
“Am I shocked that a father with the power to do so would pardon his son? No. Does that make it the right thing to do? Also no. I am disappointed not just because Biden lied repeatedly about pardoning his son, but because he gave no thought to (or did not care about) how this now strengthens Trump. I suspect Trump is going to grant sweeping pardons to questionable people, and if the Democrats complain now, he can point to Biden’s hypocrisy.” – Sarah, Revere
“Faith in our political systems is at a low point. I fear this will weaken our faith in the system and further embolden Trump in the future.” – Todd P., Brookline
“Presidential pardons in general should be reconsidered and restricted. There is no better example of the rich and powerful operating by their own set of rules. A pardon ‘within the family’ is downright disgusting. What a wonderful precedent to set for the next president.” – Tom, Revere
“It’s a complete disgrace to the American people. His son broke federal laws – he failed to pay his income taxes, acquired a gun when under drugs, etc. Why should he get a pass over other citizens serving time or paying fines? President Biden reneged on this original agreement to the public. There is no honor or trust in politics.” – Michela C., Norton
“Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to tax evasion. By issuing the pardon, President Biden is allowing Hunter to not pay owed taxes. This from the person who multiple times whispered into the microphone, ‘Pay your fair share.’ I feel like it’s a hypocritical slap at the American taxpayer.” – Stephen V., Marblehead
“It’s one thing to pardon Hunter on the charges that he pleaded guilty to (i.e. gun and tax evasion) – I would like to think most parents would do the same on those charges. However, giving a blanket pardon going back to 2014 is just too much and a complete abuse of power. Shame on Joe Biden for abusing his position on his way out the door.” – Chris, Wakefield
Yes, I agree
“During the campaign, Trump promised retribution on ‘political enemies.’ The administration he’s assembling appears to be ready to fulfill that promise. Biden is protecting his own and I would do the same in a heartbeat.” – R.C., Stoneham
“The pursuit of Hunter, to a greater extent than anyone else with his circumstances, I feel was politically motivated and unjust. And as far as Biden having initially said he wouldn’t pardon Hunter, those circumstances have changed with Trump showing ever more the intended vindictive vendetta of his second administration.” – Hank D., Woburn
“Anyone who has suffered addiction or who has someone in their family with addiction knows that this was the right thing to do – regardless of the recipient being Biden’s son. It was the right thing to do and everyone deserves a second chance including Hunter. He’s picked up his life. Let’s stop dwelling upon it and move on to the next topic.” – Matthew C., Winchester
“While not a good look, it is routinely done by outgoing presidents. It appears that part of the reason Hunter Biden was prosecuted, or at least prosecuted so zealously (both in court and public opinion) was because he is the president’s son. Also, I think President Trump pardoning his alleged co-conspirators is far more of an abuse of the pardon power than a father pardoning his troubled son.” – Steve, Dorchester
“I said, yes I agree, because of course any father with the ability to keep their son out of jail should and would do so. That being said, President Biden pardoning Hunter after years where he promised he would not do so has destroyed what remaining credibility he has. Then on top of that, he pulls a play out of Trump’s playbook by blaming it on political persecution, which has removed any moral high ground Democrats had left.” – John M., North Andover
“With the new administration coming in, this pardon will look entirely inconsequential compared to what is coming. Democrats are continually held to a higher standard. Biden’s road has been difficult and he’s sacrificed so much; I don’t blame him for doing something for his family.” – Jen W., Southborough
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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