The U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday December 1, 2024 announced that he has granted a presidential pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing this month for federal tax and gun-related charges.

“Be it known that this day, I Joseph.R Biden, Jnr, President of the United States, pursuant to my powers under article 2, section 2, clause 1, of the constitution, have granted unto Robert Hunter Biden, a full unconditional pardon for those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period, 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. ” The statement read.

The move comes as the president approaches the conclusion of his term, intensifying political discourse surrounding the implications of the pardon.

Legal and Political Challenges

Hunter Biden, a lawyer and businessman, has faced multiple investigations. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to misdemeanor charges of failing to pay federal income taxes in 2017 and 2018.

Additionally, he was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm while struggling with drug addiction, a violation of federal law.

The charges had drawn significant public attention, fueled by partisan battles and accusations of preferential treatment.

President Biden’s decision to pardon his son has been described by his aides as a deeply personal and compassionate act.

Hunter has been married twice. He was first married to Kathleen Buhle, with whom he has three daughters: Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy.

Following their divorce, he married Melissa Cohen in 2019, and the couple has a son, Beau, named after Hunter’s late brother.