Pardoning Hunter Biden

My Thoughts on Why It’s a Blow to Democracy

I can’t help but feel that President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, is deeply troubling for our democracy. While I understand the personal motivations behind such an act, the political and ethical implications are far-reaching and damaging. For a country built on principles of accountability, transparency, and equality under the law, this pardon feels like a betrayal of those ideals. To me, it’s a stark reminder that personal loyalty and public duty can sometimes collide in ways that undermine trust in government.

This decision doesn’t sit well with me, nor does it seem to sit well with either side of the political aisle. Democrats and Republicans alike are criticizing this move, which, to me, is a rare but telling sign of its gravity. Let me walk you through why I think this pardon is bad for democracy, how it’s alienating both parties, and what it means for the future of American politics.

---

For me, one of the core principles of democracy is that no one is above the law—not even the president’s family. Pardoning Hunter Biden, who has faced serious allegations of financial misconduct, sends the opposite message. It feels like an erosion of accountability, a principle that I believe is essential to maintaining public trust in our institutions.

Presidential pardons are controversial enough as they are, but pardoning a close family member takes it to another level. It blurs the line between personal and public responsibility, creating the perception that power can shield individuals from the consequences of their actions. I can’t help but worry about the precedent this sets—if a president can pardon their own family, what’s to stop future leaders from doing the same, or worse?

Democrats have long positioned themselves as defenders of norms and institutions, especially in the wake of Trump’s presidency. For Biden to make this move, it feels like he’s undercutting the very narrative that has defined his party. It’s a decision that leaves Democrats vulnerable to accusations of hypocrisy, and I can’t help but feel that it weakens their moral authority to criticize abuse of power.

---

One of the striking aspects of this situation is how it’s managed to anger both Republicans and Democrats. In a time when our country feels so divided, this decision has brought rare unity—though not for good reasons.

From what I’ve seen, Republicans view this as confirmation of their long-standing claims that the Biden family is corrupt. They argue that this pardon is just another example of the president using his power to protect his own, while simultaneously weaponizing the justice system against his political opponents. I can understand why they see this as setting a dangerous precedent. It opens the door for future presidents to justify similar actions under the guise of personal compassion.

What’s more surprising to me is the backlash from Democrats. Many in Biden’s own party are frustrated, and I can see why. For progressives, it feels like a betrayal of the values the party is supposed to stand for—fairness and accountability. Even moderates are worried that this will alienate independent voters and weaken the party’s ability to differentiate itself from Republican scandals. To me, it feels like a strategic misstep that could have long-term consequences for the party.

---

Shaking Trust in Democracy

I think what’s most concerning is how this decision impacts public trust. At a time when faith in our democratic institutions is already fragile, this pardon only adds to the skepticism. People across the political spectrum are questioning whether the justice system is fair, and to me, this move only deepens that doubt.

One thing that sticks out to me is how this reinforces the idea that there are two sets of rules—one for the powerful and one for everyone else. For Americans already struggling with inequality, this pardon feels like yet another example of how the system is rigged in favor of the elite. That perception is dangerous, and I think it only fuels political cynicism and disengagement.

What worries me even more is the precedent this sets. If family members can be pardoned, what’s to stop future presidents from extending this privilege to close allies or even themselves? It feels like a slippery slope that could lead to even greater abuses of power.

---

This decision has also handed ammunition to populists on both sides. For Republicans, it bolsters their claims of corruption within the Democratic Party. For progressives, it’s more proof that the political establishment, regardless of party, is out of touch with ordinary Americans.

Donald Trump has already seized on this as an example of “two-tiered justice,” and I can see how it strengthens his narrative. For his base, this pardon is just more evidence that the system is rigged against them. It’s the kind of issue that energizes his supporters and deepens divisions in our already polarized electorate.

For Biden, the timing couldn’t be worse. With a tough reelection campaign ahead, I think this decision risks alienating swing voters and giving Republicans another rallying point. It also shifts the focus away from his administration’s policy achievements, putting the spotlight squarely on personal controversies.

---

Presidential Power: A Need for Reform?

This situation also raises important questions about the limits of presidential power. Pardons are one of the least constrained tools available to the president, and I think this case highlights the need for additional safeguards.

Some legal experts have suggested that pardons for close family members should be explicitly restricted. While that would require significant legal changes, I think it’s an idea worth considering. Moves like this risk undermining the very purpose of the pardon as a check on the justice system.

Ultimately, the success or failure of this pardon will be judged by public opinion. If the backlash is strong enough, it could serve as a deterrent for future presidents. But if the outrage fades, I fear it could embolden others to follow suit.

---

Can Democracy Survive Another Blow?

In my view, this decision is another hit to a democracy already under strain. Between rising polarization, declining trust in institutions, and growing inequality, the stakes feel higher than ever. While Biden’s pardon may have been a personal decision rooted in loyalty to his son, the impact goes far beyond the Biden family.

For me, democracy is built on fairness and accountability. When those in power prioritize personal interests over public duty, it erodes the foundation of the system. This pardon feels like a sobering reminder of the challenges we face as a nation. The real question is whether we’ll learn from this moment or let it deepen the divisions already tearing us apart.