In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Hunter Biden admitted that the pardon granted by his father, former President Joe Biden, was detrimental to both the nation and his father’s historical legacy. Despite acknowledging the valid criticisms regarding the decision, Hunter expressed gratitude for the protection, suggesting it was motivated by concerns about potential targeting under the Trump administration.
Hunter denied any prior discussions with his father about the pardon, asserting that such a conversation would have inevitably leaked. Joe Biden issued the unconditional pardon in December 2024, covering federal offenses from 2014 to 2024, reversing his previous stance against executive intervention in his son’s legal affairs.
The conversation also covered Joe Biden’s health, with Hunter becoming emotional while discussing his father’s battle with cancer, which he described as both painful and debilitating. Reflecting on the June 2024 debate, Hunter noted that he immediately sensed his father’s performance was hindered by health struggles. Looking toward the future, Hunter dismissed any aspirations for public office, stating he plans to focus his efforts on advocacy for addiction recovery.
