Hunter Biden Slams Dad's Pardon: 'Not Good' for America
Hunter Biden, the son of former US President Joe Biden, has spoken out about the controversial pardon he received from his father in December 2024. In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Newsnight, Hunter Biden acknowledged that the pardon was "not good" for America or his father's legacy.
Pardon Was "Not Good" for America, Hunter Biden Admits
In the interview, Hunter Biden defended the pardon, saying that his father ultimately acted out of concern that he would become a target under Donald Trump's incoming administration. "I was the only one in the world that could have gotten what I got from the only person in the world who could give it, my father," he said.
Hunter Biden also insisted that he and his father had never discussed the possibility of a pardon before it was granted. "There is no way that you can have those kinds of discussions that would not become public," he said.
Hunter Biden Speaks Out on His Father's Health
Hunter Biden got emotional at times in the interview, notably when discussing his father's health. Cancer is "really hard," he said, stopping to clear his throat. "It's really sad to watch." Joe Biden's cancer has spread, Hunter Biden said, describing it as "very painful" and "very debilitating."
No Interest in Elected Politics
Hunter Biden has ruled out seeking elected office, saying he has "no interest in elected politics." Instead, he wants to devote his time to speaking about addiction and recovery, which he described as a cause capable of bridging America's political divides. "I believe that addiction and the hope of recovery are something that connect us all," he said.
Hunter Biden also reflected on the presidential debate in June 2024 that ultimately ended his father's re-election campaign. He said he had watched it from his home in California and immediately sensed something was wrong. "I was shocked," he said. "I knew something was wrong."
Focus on Addiction and Recovery
Hunter Biden said he wants to use his platform to speak about addiction and recovery, which he believes can bring people together. "Addiction and the hope of recovery are something that connect us all," he said. He pointed to his father's resilience as an example of this, saying that he is "most proud of his resilience."
The pardon, which covered Hunter Biden's federal gun conviction, a tax case he'd pled guilty to, and any federal offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, has been widely criticized. Hunter Biden acknowledged that the pardon was "not good" for America, but said that his father ultimately acted out of concern for his well-being.
The controversy surrounding the pardon is likely to continue, with many questioning the motivations behind it. Hunter Biden's comments have shed some light on the situation, but it remains to be seen how this will play out in the coming weeks and months.
Source: Joy Online
