Mike Johnson blasts Joe Biden for 'irreparably' damaging justice system by pardoning son Hunter
WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized President Joe Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, calling the move a sign that the justice system needs "real reform."
Johnson’s remarks came after Biden granted a “Full and Unconditional Pardon” to his son for tax and gun-related offenses on Sunday.
Mike Johnson blasts Joe Biden for contradicting stance on son Hunter's punishment
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said that President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden contradicted his earlier pledge not to do so, causing what he described as "irreparable damage."
“President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes," Johnson stated on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, December 2.
President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes. But last night he suddenly granted a “Full and Unconditional Pardon” for any and all offenses that Hunter committed for more than a decade!
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 2, 2024
Trust in our justice system has been almost…
"But last night he suddenly granted a ‘Full and Unconditional Pardon’ for any and all offenses that Hunter committed for more than a decade!” Johnson said, adding that “real reform cannot begin soon enough.”
Mike Johnson endorses Kash Patel for 'much-needed change' in FBI leadership
Although Mike Johnson did not elaborate on the specific reforms he would seek, President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at major changes in the Department of Justice and the FBI.
Trump claimed that his own legal battles are politically driven and announced plans for a leadership change.
He said on Saturday that Kashyap "Kash" Patel should head the FBI as he has “spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People."
While many critics have raised concerns about Patel’s experience and potential allegiance to Trump, Johnson praised the move.
“He is an America First patriot who will bring much-needed change and transparency to the FBI,” Johnson said about Patel on Sunday on X.
Kash Patel has extensive experience in national security and intelligence. He is an America First patriot who will bring much-needed change and transparency to the FBI.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 1, 2024
Congratulations to Kash! https://t.co/SKRlJtU1co
Joe Biden defends pardoning son Hunter Biden as he was 'singled out'
Joe Biden announced the pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, in a statement Sunday, reiterating his belief that the prosecutions were politically motivated.
He had previously promised not to intervene in Hunter’s legal troubles in various interviews, and even in May, he said that “no one is above the law” when Hunter’s trial began.
In his statement, Biden denounced the charges against Hunter as politically motivated, per Fox News.
“The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden stated, adding, “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son.”
Biden concluded his remarks by addressing the American public: “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”
Trump also weighed in on the issue on Sunday by taking to Truth Social, to criticize Biden’s pardon.
“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” wrote Trump.
