The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

    • candybrie@lemmy.world
      2·
      21 days ago

      Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.

      I could read that to include being an alcoholic. But I can also read it as being addicted to caffeine.

      • TopRamenBinLaden@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        3·
        21 days ago

        Yes, alcohol is technically a depressant, but I guarantee that the majority of people who sign that form don’t know that.

        It also says, “or any other controlled substance”, implying that the list is made up of controlled substances, which alcohol is not.

        I think a good lawyer could argue that alcohol doesn’t count here, but no lawyer could ever argue that marijuana doesn’t count, as it is specifically listed.

        • candybrie@lemmy.world
          1·
          21 days ago

          It depends on if you assume controlled substance applied to every item on the list or if being addicted to any simulant would count. How I read it, if alcohol counts, so does caffeine.