Joe Biden had repeatedly denied plans to commute his son Hunter’s potential prison sentence for gun ownership and tax evasion convictions, but on the Sunday night after Thanksgiving, he changed his stance, announcing a full pardon for Hunter. In a press release, Biden explained his decision, citing relentless attacks and selective prosecution against his son, who has been sober for five and a half years.

Republicans quickly criticized Biden for breaking his pledge and accused him of using his presidential power to protect his son, while Colorado Democratic Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment, saying it would tarnish Biden’s legacy. Pardoning family members is not unprecedented, with Bill Clinton granting clemency to his brother in 2001, but Biden’s pardon was expansive, covering not only Hunter’s past convictions but also potential future offenses. Hunter’s business dealings, including his role on the board of Burisma while his father was vice president, have been controversial, with accusations of exploiting his father’s influence. Biden’s pardon has drawn comparisons to Donald Trump’s controversial pardons of his associates during his presidency, which were also criticized but faced little political consequence. With Biden’s political career nearing its end and the Democratic Party losing control of both the White House and Congress, the political fallout from the pardon is expected to be minimal. Legal experts have raised concerns that Biden’s decision could set a precedent for future abuses of the clemency power, making it a political tool rather than a tool of grace. The Trump campaign has already promised to restore due process and correct the legal system when Trump returns to office, likely using pardons to benefit his associates and supporters involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. As both sides continue accusing each other of partisan prosecutions, public trust in government ethics may further erode, with many Americans likely blaming both parties for politicizing the legal system.