Democratic governor: Hunter Biden pardon sets 'bad precedent'

Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis criticized President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, saying it sets a "bad precedent."

Polis said late Sunday that while he understands President Biden's position as a father to help his son, the president "put his family ahead of the country."

"This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation," Polis wrote on the social platform X. "When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation."

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"Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son," Polis added.

The governor's post came shortly after President Biden announced his pardon in a statement, arguing that the charges against his son were brought for political reasons.

“No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong,” Biden said in a statement.

Biden also argued that he kept his word not to interfere in the Justice Department’s decisionmaking.

In the past, Biden and his team were adamant he would not pardon his son. As recently as Nov. 7, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the answer was still “no” when asked about a possible pardon.

Hunter Biden, who is 54, was set to face sentencing in his federal gun case Wednesday.

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