Mixed political reactions to the Biden pardon

The immediate political impact of the announcement has been mixed. Democrats, already showing divisions in the fallout of their 2024 electoral losses, have expressed differing opinions of the decision. Former Attorney General Eric Holder agreed that the pardon was justified, arguing that the cases against Hunter Biden would never have been prosecuted if he were Joe Smith.

Hunter
Here’s the reality.

No USAtty would have charged this case given the underlying facts. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear.

Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been – fundamentally and more fairly – a…

— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) December 2, 2024

On the other hand, Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted, “I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.”

While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden’s natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.…

— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) December 2, 2024

The warning by Polis echoes concerns by some that President-elect Donald Trump could use this move to justify pardons for his associates or supporters, while others have pointed out that Trump already pardoned several of his close associates and political allies during his first term. Trump commented on the Biden pardon on his Truth Social platform, calling it “an abuse and miscarriage of justice” and asking if those imprisoned for January 6, who Trump called “hostages,” would also be pardoned; Trump repeatedly suggested during his 2024 campaign that he would pardon many of those convicted for the insurrection.

Donald Trump reacts to Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter Biden:

“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the January 6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” pic.twitter.com/7NJVLBPj5o

— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 2, 2024

pardons

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