(The Center Square) – Members of New Hampshire’s all-Democratic congressional delegation are adding to criticism of President Joe Biden’s decision to wield his executive power in a far-reaching pardon to his son Hunter.
Hunter Biden has pleaded guilty to felony tax charges and a jury found him guilty in June of lying on a firearm purchase form. He was facing decades in prison during his sentencing, which had been scheduled for later this month.
Biden had repeatedly said that no matter the outcome of his son’s legal troubles he would not pardon him. He broke that promise and became the first sitting president to grant an unconditional pardon to a member of his family.
The president said he “wrestled” with the decision to pardon his son before he steps down from office in January. He based his choice on saying “raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.”
The controversial move prompted a firestorm of criticism from many Republicans, but also Democrats, who say the pardon tarnishes Biden’s legacy and sets a dangerous precedent for the use of executive clemency.
U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he was “disappointed” that Biden “went back on his word” to issue a “sweeping pardon” for his son.
“I understand his desire as a father to protect his son, but Hunter Biden was prosecuted and convicted for serious crimes,” Pappas said in a statement. “I’m concerned that this sets a dangerous standard for future presidents, including President-elect Trump, himself a convicted felon who has shown disregard for the rule of law.”
A statement from U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., was also critical about the pardon and she “believes strongly in maintaining the integrity and independence of our judicial system.”
“As a parent, she understands President Biden’s desire to protect his son; however, pardons like these contribute to the perception that some people have about the fairness of the U.S. criminal justice system,” the statement said.
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., told New Hampshire Public Radio that the president’s pardon added to the uncertainty about the independence of the Justice Department, which is supposed to operate independently of the White House.
“I think it’s really important for Americans to have confidence in the independence of our justice system, and there’s a lot of focus on that right now,” Hassan said. “I expect all presidents to make sure that justice is carried out independently, and I wish the president had kept his word.”