Right before leaving office, Biden was going scorched Earth. And this may take the cake.
And now Biden’s last minute order has changed everything for Donald Trump.
In his final moments in office on Monday, President Biden issued pardons for five of his siblings, a move that has sparked sharp debate and criticism.
The pardons, announced by the White House, apply to James Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John Owens, and Francis Biden.
Biden defended his decision, citing concerns about potential “politically motivated investigations” targeting his family after his departure from the presidency.
“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics,” Biden stated.
“But baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families.”
The president went on to emphasize the toll such inquiries can take. “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances,” he added.
The pardons come in the wake of scrutiny from House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, who had urged the Department of Justice under President Trump to investigate and prosecute James Biden for allegedly providing false statements to Congress.
In June, House Republicans sent criminal referrals for both James and Hunter Biden to the Justice Department, recommending charges for allegedly lying to Congress during the impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
These referrals have further fueled Republican accusations of misconduct within the Biden family.
Earlier on Monday, Biden had issued another round of preemptive pardons. These included high-profile figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and individuals connected to the now-defunct House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
The president’s pardons, particularly those for his family members, have become some of the most controversial actions of his presidency.
Weeks earlier, Biden had hinted at the possibility of preemptive pardons during an interview with USA Today. However, his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, remains the most contentious.
Despite previously pledging not to intervene on his son’s behalf, Biden issued a blanket pardon for Hunter, later claiming he made the decision after learning Hunter had paid his back taxes. Critics viewed the move as a betrayal of Biden’s earlier promises.
The backlash has been fierce. Some defenders argue that Biden’s actions are understandable for a father protecting his family. However, others see it as a damaging reversal that undermines his presidency.
“Everyone looks stupid,” said Pod Save America co-host and former Obama aide Tommy Vietor at the time.
“Everyone looks like they are full of s—. And Republicans are going to use this to argue it was politics as usual when Democrats warned of Donald Trump’s corruption or threat to the rule of law or the threat to democracy.”
As Biden departs the political stage, his last-minute pardons are likely to cast a long shadow over his legacy, with critics and supporters alike debating the implications of these controversial decisions.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
