House Speaker Mike Johnson slammed President Biden on Monday for reneging on his pledge not to pardon Hunter Biden, calling it a sign that “real reform” of the justice system is needed.
Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican, said the president’s decision to pardon his son on tax and gun convictions has caused irreparable damage.
“President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes. But last night he suddenly granted a ‘Full and Unconditional Pardon’ for any and all offenses that Hunter committed for more than a decade!” Mr. Johnson said. “Real reform cannot begin soon enough!”
Mr. Johnson did not detail which reforms he would seek, but President-elect Donald Trump has signaled a shakeup at the Department of Justice and the FBI, saying his own prosecutions were politically motivated.
Mr. Trump said he wants a loyal ally, Kash Patel, to lead the FBI, sparking pushback from critics who say Mr. Patel doesn’t have adequate experience and will do Mr. Trump’s bidding.
Mr. Johnson, however, congratulated Mr. Patel, saying he is “an America First patriot who will bring much-needed change and transparency to the FBI.”
SEE ALSO: Biden faces bipartisan backlash for reversal on pardon for son Hunter: ‘Got this wrong’
Mr. Biden announced his son’s pardon late Sunday, condemning the prosecutions as politically motivated and breaking his promise not to use his executive authority to save his son from potential prison time.
Hunter Biden faced a Dec. 12 sentencing in Wilmington, Delaware, for his conviction on three federal gun charges. He was also set to be sentenced in Los Angeles on Dec. 16 after pleading guilty to nine federal tax evasion charges.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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