US President Joe Biden pardons his son’s Hunter Biden sentence, calling it a political case.

US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, effectively shielding him from convictions related to gun possession and tax evasion. The move, announced on Sunday, has triggered debate over ethics and presidential authority.

President Biden, who previously vowed to keep his presidency free from family entanglements, had publicly ruled out the possibility of intervening in Hunter’s legal battles. Sunday’s pardon marks a stark reversal of that stance, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Hunter Biden was facing charges of illegal firearm possession and failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes. His legal woes, long a focal point for political adversaries, have now taken center stage in Washington.

In his statement, President Biden justified his decision by labeling the charges against his son as “politically driven.” He stated, “These accusations were part of a calculated effort to undermine justice and target my family for political purposes.”

The president added, “As a father and as a leader, I’ve made this choice to protect my son from unfair persecution. I trust the American people will understand the reasoning behind this decision.”

Hunter Biden’s legal troubles date back to 2018, when he was convicted of firearm possession while allegedly under the influence of drugs. More recently, prosecutors accused him of evading taxes. Hunter admitted to some financial wrongdoing but maintained that the allegations were exaggerated for political gain.

The timing of the pardon has further fueled speculation, as it comes less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office. Critics argue that Biden’s decision undermines his prior commitments to uphold judicial independence.

Republicans have seized on the pardon, accusing the administration of double standards and favoritism. The controversy is expected to remain a key talking point as Trump’s presidency begins.