Former President Bill Clinton offered his perspective on presidential pardons during a recent interview at the New York Times DealBook Summit, referencing both President Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, and his own pardon of his half-brother, Roger Clinton. Clinton suggested that the circumstances surrounding Hunter Biden's case might have led to harsher consequences than a non-presidential relative would face. He recalled his brother's experience, who served 14 months for cocaine-related charges in the 1980s and received a pardon after completing his sentence, raising questions about restoring citizenship rights after such events. While acknowledging the complexities and political sensitivities of presidential pardons, Clinton highlighted the differences between his brother's case and Hunter Biden's situation. He emphasized Roger's cooperation with authorities and completion of his sentence, contrasting it with the ongoing discussion surrounding Hunter Biden's legal troubles. Clinton also expressed concern about the broader implications for the pardon system and questioned its effectiveness, echoing sentiments from other political figures who have called for a review of the process. He further addressed the criticism surrounding President Biden's decision, acknowledging the political fallout and suggesting that the president's prior statements on non-interference might have weakened his position. Clinton concluded by stating his belief that Hunter Biden likely faced heightened scrutiny due to his familial connection to the president.
Former President Bill Clinton speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 4, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for The New York Times)
Former President Bill Clinton speaks in support of the Harris Walz presidential campaign during the Fort Valley GOTV Community Fish Fry at the Agricultural Technology Conference Center on October 13, 2024, in Fort Valley, Georgia. (Julia Beverly/Getty Images)
FILE - President Joe Biden, wearing a Team USA jacket and walking with his son Hunter Biden, heads toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
