House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Tuesday defended President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter despite bipartisan backlash over the move but called on the president to issue more pardons as his term comes to a close.
Mr. Jeffries, New York Democrat, put out a statement praising the elder Mr. Biden’s record of fighting for struggling Americans, many of whom “have been aggressively prosecuted and harshly sentenced for nonviolent offenses.”
“During his final weeks in office, President Biden should exercise the high level of compassion he has consistently demonstrated throughout his life, including toward his son, and pardon on a case-by-case basis the working-class Americans in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses,” he said. “This moment calls for liberty and justice for all.”
Mr. Jeffries’ statement tactically endorsed the president’s pardon of his son while also echoing concerns from lawmakers who have said the decision sets a bad precedent for the impartial administration of justice.
His decision to comment stands in contrast with Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York, who told reporters on Tuesday he had “nothing” for them in response to four questions about the pardon.
The presidential pardon came shortly before Hunter Biden was set to be sentenced in two separate federal cases on gun and tax-related charges. But the pardon is far broader and covers every potential federal offense from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024 — seemingly designed to protect the younger Mr. Biden from additional charges arising from the incoming Trump administration’s Justice Department.
“As a father, I understand the desire to do everything you can to help and protect your children, but I worry such a sweeping pardon for a close family member sets an unfortunate precedent that undermines trust in the office of the president,” said Rep. Jared Golden, Maine Democrat.
• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.
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