Former President Bill Clinton advises against preemptive pardons for political figures, including his wife Hillary, as President Biden faces scrutiny over Hunter Biden’s pardon.
At a Glance
- Bill Clinton supports Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden
- Clinton opposes preemptive pardons for Hillary Clinton or others
- The former president believes any charges against Hillary would be unfounded
- Biden’s pardon of Hunter faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats
- The pardon debate occurs amid heightened political tensions
Clinton Weighs in on Hunter Biden Pardon
Former President Bill Clinton has publicly defended President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Speaking at the DealBook Summit in Manhattan, Clinton argued that Hunter faced disproportionate consequences due to his father’s position. The pardon addressed Hunter’s federal conviction for illegally purchasing a gun and tax evasion charges.
“I personally believe that the president is almost certainly right that his son received completely different treatment than he would have if he hadn’t been the president’s son, in this kind of case,” Clinton stated.
Criticism and Precedent
The decision to pardon Hunter Biden has faced criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Republicans have accused the President of nepotism, while some Democrats worry about the potential precedent it sets. Critics argue that the pardon could provide justification for future presidents to pardon family members or close allies, potentially undermining the rule of law.
“I wish he hadn’t said he wasn’t going to do it, It does weaken his case.”
Clinton himself faced scrutiny during his presidency for pardoning his half-brother, Roger Clinton, for old cocaine charges. This history adds weight to his current stance on the pardon process.
Advice Against Preemptive Pardons
In a surprising turn, Clinton has advised President Biden against issuing preemptive pardons for political figures, including Hillary Clinton. This advice comes amid concerns about potential investigations by a future Trump administration. Clinton firmly believes that any charges against Hillary Clinton, particularly regarding her email handling, would be baseless.
A State Department investigation previously found 38 individuals responsible for security violations related to Clinton’s private email server, but no charges were filed. Clinton’s stance against preemptive pardons suggests confidence in the legal system’s ability to handle potential politically motivated investigations fairly.
Political Implications
The pardon debate occurs in a highly charged political atmosphere. Former President Trump has criticized Hunter Biden’s pardon and questioned whether similar leniency would be extended to those involved in the January 6 Capitol incident. Meanwhile, the White House has indicated that President Biden is reviewing other pardons and commutations, adding to the ongoing discussions about the use and potential abuse of presidential pardoning powers.
As the 2024 election approaches, the strategic use of pardons remains a contentious issue. Clinton’s advice and Biden’s actions will likely continue to be scrutinized, with potential implications for future presidential administrations and their approach to executive clemency.
Sources
1. Biden Shouldn’t Preemptively Pardon Hillary Clinton, Says Bill Clinton
2. Bill Clinton Defends the Hunter Biden Pardon, but Suggests It Was Mishandled
