President Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden has ignited intense debate nationwide.
At a Glance
- 50% of Americans disapprove of the pardon.
- Biden claims a “miscarriage of justice” led to the pardon.
- Bipartisan criticism includes both Republicans and Democrats.
- Biden had previously vowed not to pardon family members.
National Disapproval Evident in Polls
The YouGov poll demonstrates a clear split in public opinion, with half of U.S. adults disapproving of the president’s move to pardon Hunter Biden, following his convictions related to tax fraud and a gun charge. In sharp contrast, only 34% show approval. The extensive prosecution carried a potential 25-year prison sentence, which President Biden termed a “miscarriage of justice,” asserting his son’s selective targeting due to familial ties.
This decision starkly contradicts previous assurances by the President and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who emphatically stated there would be no pardons for family members. The Associated Press-NORC Center’s survey shows merely 20% support, raising questions about the erosion of public trust in governance.
Cross-Party Criticism
The pardon has spurred bipartisan resistance in Washington. Notable figures include Democratic Senator Michael Bennet, highlighting that the president may have “put personal interest ahead of duty” consequently, eroding Americans’ faith in an equitable justice system. Further critiques stemmed from Congressman Greg Landsman, solidifying the widening gap in bipartisan opinions on presidential transparency.
Even President-elect Donald Trump, via Truth Social, weighed in on the conversation, questioning the ethical standards surrounding Biden’s pardon in context to broader legal cases.
Divergences in Public Perception
Similarly, disapproval trends reflect deep political divides. Among Democrats, 38% stand behind Biden’s decision, with 21% distancing themselves. However, a stark 80% of Republicans and 51% of Independents reject the pardon; these figures underscore partisan discord over executive decision-making. The poll data cited reveals the disapproval margin for Republicans remains notable, reinforcing concerns over perceived preferential governance.
President Biden continues defending his decision, implying Hunter’s scrutiny arose to damage his presidency. However, detractors feel this attempt to wield presidential powers for personal benefit contradicts prior promises, challenging public accountability.
Biden argued in a statement that Hunter was “singled out only because he is his son” and that there was an effort to “break Hunter” in order to “break him (Biden).”
The controversy has not drastically altered overall presidential approvals but remains a pivotal point in public discussions on governance ethics, justice equality, and political integrity.
