Joe Biden's last-minute PARDONS are an attempt to shield family and allies from the law

By ramontomeydw // 2025-01-21

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Former President Joe Biden issued sweeping pardons in his final hours, protecting family members and political allies from legal consequences.
The pardons covered Joe's sister Valerie; brothers James and Frank; and Valerie and James' spouses for nonviolent offenses committed between 2014 and the date of the pardon.
Joe earlier granted his son Hunter a full and unconditional pardon, nullifying his tax evasion and illegal firearm possession convictions.
The pardons extended to other high-profile figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Gen. Mark Milley, setting the stage for a legal and political battle – particularly as the incoming Trump administration prepares to hold them accountable.
Critics view the pardons as an abuse of power and an admission of wrongdoing, raising questions about the justice system's integrity.

In a stunning and controversial move, former President Joe Biden issued a series of sweeping pardons in the final hours of his presidency. The pardons shielded not only his family members, but also prominent political allies, from potential legal consequences. The 46th president issued preemptive pardons on Sunday, Jan. 19, to several members of his immediate family, including his sister Valerie Biden Owens; his brothers James and Frank; Sara, James' wife; and John Owens, Valerie's husband. These pardons cover any nonviolent offenses committed between Jan. 1, 2014 and the date of the pardon. Joe defended the move, claiming his family had been subjected to "unrelenting attacks and threats" motivated by partisan politics. However, critics argue that the pardons serve as a tacit admission of wrongdoing, particularly given the Supreme Court's longstanding position that accepting a pardon implies an acknowledgment of guilt. Last month, Biden granted a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, covering all federal offenses committed between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 1, 2024. This pardon effectively nullifies Hunter's convictions for tax evasion and illegal firearm possession, as well as any other potential federal crimes during that period. The move directly contradicts the former president's earlier public assurances that he would not intervene in his son's legal troubles. (Related: Joe Biden PARDONS son Hunter despite repeatedly insisting he wouldn't.) These actions were widely criticized as an abuse of presidential power and reignited accusations of corruption and cronyism. They further tarnished the 46th president's legacy and raised serious questions about the integrity of the justice system. Special Counsel David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter, defended the charges brought against him, stating, "The charges brought against Hunter Biden were based on concrete evidence and adhered strictly to federal prosecution standards." The counsel's remarks underscore the gravity of Biden’s decision to pardon his son, which many view as a blatant act of nepotism and an affront to the rule of law.

Biden's pardons: "A confession of their corruption"

But Hunter wasn't the only one who benefited from his father's clemency, as presidential sibling James has been a focal point of Republican scrutiny. House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) has accused James of lying to Congress about his involvement in the Biden family's alleged influence-peddling schemes. Comer reacted to the pardons by stating they serve as "a confession of their corruption." In addition to shielding his family, Biden extended clemency to several high-profile political figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley and members and staff of the House Jan. 6 Select Committee. These pardons, ostensibly intended to protect public servants from "politically motivated prosecutions," have been met with skepticism. Critics argue that the move is less about safeguarding democracy and more about insulating Biden's allies from accountability. However, the pardons also carry significant legal implications. By removing the threat of federal prosecution, Biden has effectively stripped these individuals of their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, making them more vulnerable to compelled testimony before Congress. "[The] implication is that they needed the pardons. So let's call them all before Congress and demand the truth," noted Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). "If they refuse or lie, let's test the constitutional 'reach' of these pardons with regard to their future actions." The former president's actions have set the stage for a contentious legal and political battle as the incoming Trump administration vows to pursue accountability. Joe's pardons are seen as a preemptive strike to shield his family and allies from potential retribution under President Donald Trump's second term. Ultimately, Joe's final act as president has left a dark cloud over his tenure. By prioritizing the protection of his family and political allies over the principles of justice and accountability, the 46th chief executive has reinforced the perception of a double standard in the application of the law. The nation will be watching closely to see whether these pardons will stand, or whether they will be the first chapter in a broader reckoning for the Biden crime family and their associates. Watch former Australian Sen. Steven Loosley explaining why Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter is damaging to the former U.S. president's legacy below. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Biden's pardons: "A confession of their corruption"

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