South Carolina Representative James Clyburn recently revealed he advised President Biden to pardon his son, Hunter. During a CNN interview with Laura Coates, Clyburn expressed his support for the pardon, positioning Hunter Biden as a political target requiring protection. He explicitly stated, "I am absolutely okay with it. I don’t know how many people urged him to do so, but I did."
President Biden's pardon, announced on Sunday, covers potential offenses committed by Hunter Biden between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This decision has drawn sharp criticism, even from within the Democratic party, with some arguing it undermines the justice system. Senator Michael Bennet, for example, stated that the president prioritized personal interests over duty, eroding public trust in the impartiality of the legal system.
Clyburn directly addressed criticisms like those from Governor Gavin Newsom, who expressed disappointment and disapproval of the pardon. Clyburn reiterated his belief that Hunter Biden was unfairly targeted due to his family connections. He claimed, "We all know that, but for the fact that he was Joe Biden‘s son, he would never have been taken through these gyrations."
The congressman revealed he advised the president two weeks prior and that Biden initially hesitated. Clyburn recounted emphasizing the responsibilities of fathers towards their children. He cited what he considered an unjust prosecution related to a gun Hunter Biden never used as a key reason for his recommendation.
Beyond Hunter Biden, Clyburn also advocated for preemptive pardons for individuals he believes might be targeted by the incoming Trump administration, including Jack Smith and Liz Cheney. He expressed concern that these figures could face politically motivated prosecutions.
