White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has defended President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, asserting that “no reasonable person” could dispute the necessity of the pardon. This statement comes amid criticism that the move contradicts previous assurances from both the President and Jean-Pierre that no such pardon would occur.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Jean-Pierre argued that Hunter Biden was “singled out politically” due to his last name, suggesting that his prosecution was influenced by partisan motives. She emphasized that the President grappled with the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend before ultimately deciding to issue the pardon.
When pressed about whether this implies a politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Jean-Pierre maintained that President Biden continues to “believe in the Department of Justice,” despite acknowledging that “politics infected the process.” She clarified that the President does not share President-elect Donald Trump’s view that the justice system has been weaponized.
The pardon, which covers potential federal offenses committed by Hunter Biden over an 11-year span, has ignited a political firestorm. Critics, including some Democrats, argue that it undermines the integrity of the legal system and erodes public trust. Supporters contend that it rectifies what they perceive as a politically motivated prosecution.
This development adds complexity to the ongoing discourse regarding the impartiality of the DOJ and the appropriate use of presidential pardon powers, especially as the administration approaches its conclusion.