Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) expressed understanding for President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden but criticized the president for previously claiming he would not intervene in the matter.
“If it were my son, I’d pardon him, too,” Tuberville remarked to reporters on Capitol Hill on Monday. However, he emphasized, “Don’t tell us you’re not going to do it and then turn around and do it.”
Senators react to Hunter Biden’s pardon with mixed emotions and concerns
On Sunday, President Biden announced his decision to pardon Hunter Biden, citing the politically charged nature of the charges against him. The younger Biden faced multiple legal troubles, including three felony counts in June related to gun possession and drug use and nine federal tax charges to which he pleaded guilty in September. The pardon resolved both cases.
The move sparked criticism across party lines, with lawmakers raising concerns about the implications. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) acknowledged the pardon’s emotional aspect as a father’s action but described it as “unwise” for the nation’s leader in a post on X.
Despite prior assurances from both Biden and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre that no pardon was planned, some Democrats defended the decision. Tuberville, however, criticized the handling of the situation, stating, “If you’re going to do it, just be honest about it.”
Tuberville added that this decision undermines the president’s credibility and suggested that more pardons might follow, speculating about family members receiving clemency before Biden’s term ends.
Tuberville, who has drawn criticism for his opposition to Biden’s military appointments over abortion legislation, reflected on the controversy surrounding the Biden family. “This has been a challenging time for our country,” he said, refraining from assigning blame but hinting at potential future revelations about the administration.
