President Joe Biden on Tuesday declined to address questions about his controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, during his first presidential trip to Angola. The move has sparked intense political backlash in Washington, with critics highlighting Biden’s reversal of previous promises not to pardon family members.
During a meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço at the presidential palace, Biden dismissed shouted questions from reporters with a laugh, turning to the Angolan delegation and saying, “Welcome to America.” Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had previously stated that Biden would not take questions from the press during his trip to Africa.
The pardon, which covers Hunter Biden’s actions over the past 11 years, has been criticised for contradicting Biden’s repeated assurances to the public. In June, as Hunter faced trial in a Delaware gun case, Biden said, “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” The White House reinforced this stance multiple times in subsequent months.
Biden’s claims that his Justice Department presided over a “miscarriage of justice” in prosecuting his son have further inflamed tensions. The decision has drawn criticism even from within his Democratic Party, with many fearing it undermines their ability to challenge President-elect Donald Trump’s legal moves when he assumes office in seven weeks.
The controversy has also cast a shadow over Biden’s final weeks in office, raising questions about his legacy as he prepares to leave the Oval Office on January 20.
(With inputs from AP)
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