A recent Associated Press poll reveals that only about two in ten Americans support President Joe Biden’s decision to issue a blanket pardon for his son, Hunter Biden.
The poll, released Wednesday, shows that just 22% of respondents approve of the pardon, while 51% disapprove—a decision that many see as a reversal of the president’s previous promises.
President Biden had repeatedly stated that he would not pardon his son. However, over the Thanksgiving weekend, he announced a blanket pardon for Hunter Biden, excusing him of any crimes committed or potentially committed since 2014.
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Hunter Biden, who has faced federal convictions on gun and tax charges, has been at the center of allegations regarding questionable overseas business dealings during his father’s tenure as vice president.
The pardon covers a period that includes Hunter Biden’s time on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company that paid him substantial sums despite his lack of experience in the energy sector. His role with Burisma has fueled accusations of influence-peddling and inadequate reporting of foreign business activities.
The AP poll highlights stark divisions along partisan lines regarding the pardon. While 38% of Democrats approve of the president’s decision, only 12% of independents and 7% of Republicans share that view. Opposition among Democrats is relatively low, with just 27% disapproving of the pardon, compared to overwhelming disapproval from independents and Republicans.
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Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine, China, and Romania have been the subject of intense scrutiny. Critics allege that he leveraged his father’s political position to secure lucrative contracts, failed to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and shared proceeds with other family members. Despite the controversies, Hunter Biden avoided FARA-related charges in his plea agreements.
In his announcement, President Biden defended the pardon, stating that his son was “selectively” and “unfairly” targeted by prosecutors. However, some observers noted the irony, pointing out that Biden’s Justice Department pursued charges against his political opponent, President-elect Donald Trump, ahead of the 2024 elections.
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