FACT CHECK: Post Falsely Claims Former Presidents Pardoned Brother And Son

A post shared on X claims former President George HW Bush pardoned his son, Neil Bush, white former President Jimmy Carter pardoned his brother.

Jimmy Carter pardoned his brother Billy Carter who took over $200,000 from Libya as its foreign agent.

George H.W. Bush pardoned his son Neil Bush for his role in the S&L scandals of the 1980s.

Nobody thinks those pardons defined either presidency.

Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter…

— Grant Stern grantstern.bsky.social (@grantstern) December 3, 2024

Verdict: False

Neither Carter or Bush pardoned these individuals.

Fact Check:

President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for offenses he may or may have not committed from 2014-2024, according to Politico. The pardon also prevents Biden from going to jail for his tax and gun charges, the outlet noted.

Social media users are claiming that Biden’s pardon is not unique, by arguing that Carter and Bush pardoned family members. (RELATED: Was Elon Musk Refused Service At A San Francisco Coffee Shop For Wearing A MAGA Hat?)

“Jimmy Carter pardoned his brother Billy Carter who took over $200,000 from Libya as its foreign agent. George H.W. Bush pardoned his son Neil Bush for his role in the S&L scandals of the 1980s. Nobody thinks those pardons defined either presidency. Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden won’t either,” one user wrote.

These claims are false. Carter never pardoned his brother, according to the Justice Department website. Billy Carter had received $200,000 from Libya’s government and registered as a foreign agent of the Libyan government. It does not appear he was charged with a crime in relation to the foreign agent registration or money.

Bush never pardoned his son, according to the Justice Department website. Neil Bush was involved in the Silverado Saving and Loan collapse and was forced to pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit, but never was charged nor given a pardon, per Fox News.