President Joe Biden has granted a presidential pardon to his son Hunter, who has been convicted of gun charges and pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion.
In a statement released by the White House, the US president said he had given clemency to Hunter, who was due to be sentenced later this month on two separate criminal cases.
“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 said.
“Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.
“Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions.
“It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.”
Hunter, 54, was convicted of three firearm charges in June, marking the first criminal prosecution of a sitting US president’s child.
Prosecutors said he lied on a form when buying a Colt Cobra revolver in October 2018 by stating he was not a drug user or addict, despite having a problem with crack cocaine.
Two months later, Hunter pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. He was due to stand trial on criminal charges of failing to pay $1.4m (£1.06m) in taxes while allegedly spending lavishly on drugs, sex workers and luxury items.
The “full and unconditional pardon” covers both the gun charges and federal tax evasion, for which Hunter was due to be sentenced on 12 December and 16 December respectively.
