In a surprising move, President Joe Biden has issued a blanket pardon for several family members, including his brother James Biden, just before leaving office. This pardon comes amid ongoing Republican investigations into alleged influence-peddling by the Biden family during the president’s political career. James Biden, who faced scrutiny over his involvement in controversial business dealings, was not charged with federal crimes but had been investigated for possible foreign lobbying violations and alleged financial misconduct.
The president defended his decision, stating that his family had been subjected to partisan attacks aimed at damaging his reputation. He emphasized that the pardons were not admissions of guilt but were necessary to shield his family from politically motivated probes. The clemency also extended to his sister Valerie Biden Owens and other relatives, but the scope of the pardon’s coverage and the specific allegations remain unclear.
James Biden’s business activities have long drawn criticism for allegedly leveraging his brother’s political influence. Investigators highlighted financial transactions, including substantial payments from companies with foreign ties, raising questions about potential ethical violations. Despite this, James maintained that his dealings were independent of his brother’s political role, insisting the funds he transferred to Joe Biden were legitimate loan repayments.
This follows President Biden’s earlier controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, in December, which addressed gun and tax-related convictions. Critics argue these actions reflect an effort to preemptively protect the Biden family from future legal challenges, particularly with a new administration poised to take office.
