Story perspectives

Biden Pardons Hunter; Son Says It Undermines Constitution

8/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden in 2024, erasing a gun conviction and tax charges.
Hunter Biden told BBC’s Newsnight the pardon was not good for the American people, his father’s legacy, or the Constitution.
He said the pardon covered federal offenses from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 1, 2024, which he called selectively and unfairly prosecuted.
He added they never discussed it because the president’s cancer diagnosis blocked private talks.

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Story summary

U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden in 2024, erasing a gun conviction and tax charges.
Hunter Biden told BBC’s Newsnight the pardon was not good for the American people, his father’s legacy, or the Constitution.
He said the pardon covered federal offenses from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 1, 2024, which he called selectively and unfairly prosecuted.
He added they never discussed it because the president’s cancer diagnosis blocked private talks.