DENVER (KDVR) — After President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, from a slew of charges, including a possible prison sentence, Gov. Jared Polis and other Colorado officials expressed their disappointment.
While Hunter faced federal felony gun and tax convictions, Biden previously said he would not pardon his son in the two cases in Delaware and California. However, within the last few months of his time in office, Biden released a full statement on his decision to pardon his son on Sunday.
Biden cited how his son was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and mentioned how Hunter was treated differently after his political opponents in Congress “instigated them to attack me.”
Despite Biden’s claims in his released statement, he’s faced backlash, especially after he and the White House stated multiple times that they wouldn’t pardon Hunter.
Colorado politicians respond to Biden’s pardon
Polis, a Democrat, responded to the president’s actions Sunday night saying that no one, not even the president, is above the law:
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. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.
Gov. Jared Polis’ post on X
Meanwhile, other lawmakers had similar opinions, including Colorado’s 6th Congressional District Rep. Jason Crow.
The Hunter Biden pardon was a mistake. I sympathize with a father’s love, especially in a family that has experienced so much personal tragedy. I also understand the legal arguments in favor of a pardon. But Presidential pardons are never judged solely on the merits of the case, particularly when it involves a family member. Presidents hold enormous power and responsibility and must be held to a higher standard. They must instill trust and promote the American people’s faith in their democracy. And right now, upholding the fabric of our democracy is one of our most important tasks.
Rep. Jason Crow’s post on X
Senator Michael Bennet addressed the pardon, posting on X that Biden’s decision “erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Meanwhile, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser reposted Bennet’s post, saying that he agreed and pardons should be used to promote fairness, justice and trust in the government.
Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert posted a screenshot of a post on X by Biden that said “No one is above the law” and added: “Is this the ‘privilege’ we’ve heard so much of?”
Other people have been responding to the pardon as well.
Former President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Sunday that Hunter Biden’s pardon was “such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice.” However, Biden is not the first president to pardon a family member or personal friend.
Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. He also pardoned multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. President Bill Clinton also pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton in 2001 and his former business partner Susan McDougal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
