Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has expressed concern over President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, suggesting it might establish a dangerous “precedent” for future administrations.
Speaking on Sunday, Sanders acknowledged the personal aspect for Biden, noting the understandable desire of a parent to protect their family amidst political attacks. “When you have his opponents going after his family, as a father, as a parent, I think we can all understand Biden trying to protect his son and his family,” he said. “On the other hand, I think the precedent being set is kind of a dangerous one,” he added, warning that the scope of this pardon might create challenges for future presidents.
Biden’s White House pledged last year that he would not pardon his son Hunter after Hunter was indicted for several felonies, including lying about his drug habits on a federal firearms form. Despite that promise, Biden pardoned Hunter following the election victory of President-elect Donald J. Trump, granting sweeping immunity for any crimes Hunter committed or may have committed over a decade from 2014 to 2024.
U.S. District Court Judge Mark Scarsi, who presided over one of Hunter’s cases, called the pardon partially unconstitutional and an attempt to re-write history.
Following Hunter Biden’s pardon, others have called for pardons for top Democrats. Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), former chair of the House Democrats’ January 6 Committee, stated he would accept a pardon if Biden offered it.
WATCH:
Bernie Sanders on Joe Biden pardoning Hunter: “I think the precedent being set is kind of a dangerous one.” pic.twitter.com/y93baNqlLr
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) December 15, 2024