‘It’s a setback’: Democrats criticize Biden over Hunter pardon

‘It’s a setback’: Democrats criticize Biden over Hunter pardon

President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter has drawn criticism from some of his fellow Democrats.

The move unleashed a tidal wave of criticism of the Republican Party on Sunday evening, but late Monday morning a steady stream of Democrats also expressed unease.

“As a father, I understand that. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, this is a setback,” Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, wrote on X.

Hunter Biden’s comprehensive pardon covers all possible crimes between 2014 and December 2024. It came as he faced possible prison time on various firearms and tax charges.

Lawmakers sharply criticize Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter

House Democrats and Hunter Biden

House Democrats like Reps. Greg Landsman and Greg Stanton (left) oppose President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter (center). (Getty Images)

The 82-year-old president accused Republicans of using the justice system as a weapon against his son, who he said was “selectively and unfairly prosecuted.”

“I respect President Biden, but I think he got this wrong,” said Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona. “This was not a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed crimes and was convicted by a jury of his peers.”

Jared Polis, the Democratic governor of Colorado, also criticized the decision.

“While as a father I certainly understand (Biden’s) natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he has put his family before the country. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by future presidents and, unfortunately, will tarnish his reputation,” Polis said in a lengthy statement.

HUNTER BIDEN SAYS HIS MISTAKES HAVE BEEN ‘EXPLOITED’ FOR POLITICAL SPORTS AND HE WILL NEVER TAKE FORGIVENESS FOR COURSE

US VOTE POLITICS DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

President Biden (left) announced the pardon on Sunday evening. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

“Hunter brought upon himself the legal difficulties he faced, and one can sympathize with his struggles while recognizing that no one is above the law, no president and no president’s son.”

Still, other Democratic allies of the president fought back.

“Look at the underlying facts and standard practice of the DOJ governor,” former Attorney General Eric Holder, who worked with Biden in the Obama administration, responded to Polis on X.

In a separate post, Holder wrote: “No (U.S. Attorney) would have prosecuted this case given the underlying facts. After a five-year investigation, the facts discovered only made this clear. If his name had been Joe Smith, the solution would have been this: fundamental and fairer – a justified rejection.

Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., said he had “mixed views” on Biden’s pardon.

Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden before leaving the oval office

Obama and Eric Holder laugh together

Former Attorney General Eric Holder (left), pictured here with former President Obama (right), defended President Biden’s decision. (YURI GRIPAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Like Holder, Ivey argued that Hunter’s family name had been a factor in the prosecution against him, but feared it could set a precedent that Republicans could use in return.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“While I do not believe Hunter Biden would have been prosecuted under these circumstances, I believe a pardon at this point will be used against Democrats who are pushing to defend the Justice Department from politicization, which the president certainly is.” Trump intends to do that,” Ivey told CNN on Monday morning.

“I know there was a really strong feeling of wanting to protect Hunter Biden from unfair prosecution. But that will be used against us as we combat the abuses emanating from the Trump administration.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *