California Governor Gavin Newsom has joined the growing chorus of criticism aimed at President Joe Biden over his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.
The New York Post reported that Newsom, often touted as a rising star in the Democratic Party, minced no words when he expressed his dissatisfaction with Biden’s controversial move.
“With everything the president and his family have been through, I completely understand the instinct to protect Hunter,” Newsom told Politico, referencing the president’s personal tragedies.
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Yet, Newsom did not pull punches, adding, “But I took the president at his word. So by definition, I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision.”
The condemnation carries significant weight. Newsom has been one of Biden’s staunchest allies, even standing firm when others questioned Biden’s competence after a lackluster debate performance that led to Vice President Kamala Harris replacing him as the Democrats’ 2024 presidential nominee.
Despite this loyalty, Newsom’s sharp criticism underscores the growing divide within the Democratic Party over the president’s controversial pardon.
President Biden had repeatedly assured the public that he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles. Hunter Biden faced federal gun charges and tax evasion convictions earlier this year, stemming from years of alleged misconduct that included his highly criticized stint on the board of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.
Yet, Biden issued a sweeping pardon late Sunday, erasing Hunter’s legal issues from the past decade.
The president defended the pardon as necessary, claiming his son had been “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” due to his family ties. This justification has drawn sharp rebukes, not only from Republicans but also from high-profile Democrats like Newsom.
Critics were quick to point out the hypocrisy, given Biden’s previous mockery of similar accusations made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding politically motivated targeting.
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Adding to the controversy, Special Counsel David Weiss directly contradicted Biden’s claim of unfair prosecution. On Monday, Weiss emphasized that Hunter Biden’s legal troubles were the result of serious charges, arguing that the judge presiding over the case should not dismiss the indictment simply because of the president’s pardon.
This scandal is yet another setback for the embattled president, whose waning popularity has been compounded by questions about his age, effectiveness, and now, his integrity.
Newsom’s criticism is particularly significant given his own ambitions for a potential 2028 presidential run. With Democrats like Newsom publicly breaking ranks, Biden’s controversial decision may haunt the party for years to come.
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