California Representative Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic caucus, voiced his disapproval of President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. While acknowledging the president's paternal motivations, Aguilar emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, expressing disappointment that Biden reneged on his public promise not to issue a pardon.
Rep. Pete Aguilar has expressed disappointment in President Biden's decision to pardon his son. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Aguilar isn't alone in his criticism. California Governor Gavin Newsom also conveyed his disappointment, stating that while he empathizes with the president's desire to protect his family, he cannot condone the pardon, especially given Biden's prior assurances. Newsom reiterated that he had taken the president at his word and expressed his disapproval.
President Biden had previously stated he would not pardon Hunter Biden. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
President Biden, in his official pardon announcement, framed the investigations into his son as politically motivated, asserting that Hunter was targeted solely due to his familial connection. This justification, however, has done little to quell the rising criticism from within the Democratic party.
Hunter Biden's pardon covers approximately a decade of his life. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
This pardon contradicts Biden's previous statements, made both in June after Hunter's conviction on firearm charges and in September following his guilty plea to tax evasion, where he pledged not to interfere in the legal proceedings. This shift in stance has further fueled the controversy surrounding the decision.
