Overview

• President Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son Hunter Biden, covering all offenses since January 1, 2014, despite earlier pledges not to intervene.
• The pardon has drawn bipartisan criticism, with many viewing it as a misuse of presidential power and a blow to public trust in the justice system.
• Experts note that altering the presidential pardon power would require a constitutional amendment, which is seen as highly unlikely due to political polarization and procedural challenges.
• Some scholars and officials suggest reforms, such as requiring pardons to be vetted through the Department of Justice or restricting pardons for family members, to prevent perceived abuses of power.
• The pardon adds to concerns over the politicization of the justice system, as the incoming Trump administration has signaled plans to use the system to target political opponents.