President-elect Donald Trump has criticized outgoing President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter, calling it a "miscarriage of justice." In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!"
The reference to "J-6 Hostages" alludes to individuals imprisoned for their role in the January 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Trump and his supporters have consistently claimed that these individuals were unjustly detained, asserting they acted peacefully and patriotically. Speculation has circulated that once Trump assumes office again, he will issue pardons to those incarcerated for their involvement in the Capitol siege.
President Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden, convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations, effectively prevents him from facing sentencing or imprisonment for these offenses. In a statement, President Biden addressed the charges against his son, arguing that individuals facing similar situations, particularly those with tax payment issues stemming from addiction, typically receive non-criminal resolutions.
Biden contended that Hunter's case received harsher treatment, leading to felony charges despite a lack of aggravating factors. He emphasized his commitment to not interfering with the Justice Department's decision-making, while expressing his belief that his son had been "selectively and unfairly prosecuted." Biden stated, "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted."
He further explained that the charges against Hunter originated after political opponents in Congress sought to bring them forward to attack him and oppose his election. Biden added that a negotiated plea deal with the Department of Justice fell apart due to political pressure. "The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election," he stated.
Biden firmly maintained that the charges were politically motivated, asserting that Hunter was targeted solely because of his relationship with him. He concluded by expressing his belief that while he trusts the justice system, political influence had tainted the legal process, resulting in a "miscarriage of justice."
