CNN historian Tim Naftali weighed in on President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, suggesting that the move could unintentionally provide justification for former President Donald Trump to issue controversial pardons, including for those convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots.
Naftali noted that while President Biden is not the first president to pardon a family member, this situation is unique. “What makes this different is that, first of all, he said he wouldn’t do it,” Naftali stated, referencing Biden’s past insistence that no one is above the law.
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Additionally, the historian highlighted the scope of the pardon, which covers activities tied to a period heavily scrutinized by Trump and his allies. This period, Naftali explained, played a role in Trump’s first impeachment, as it involved allegations regarding U.S.-Ukraine relations.
“The scope of the pardon covers a period that President-elect Trump and his supporters have used as a focal point for their claims,” Naftali said. “By covering that area in the pardon, it provides ammunition for Trump and his allies in this toxic political environment.”
Naftali expressed concern that Biden’s pardon could embolden Trump to issue wide-scale pardons for individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 riots.
“President Trump didn’t need an excuse to engage in broad pardoning,” Naftali said. “But this decision by Biden gives him additional justification, particularly for those convicted as a result of January 6.”
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Naftali emphasized that the timing and scope of the pardon risk exacerbating political division in an already polarized nation.
“At a time when we’re so divided as a nation, I believe that the scope of this pardon was not helpful,” Naftali said, expressing concern about the potential consequences for public trust and the precedent it sets.
The historian’s comments highlight ongoing debates about the use of presidential pardons and their impact on the political landscape.
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