- Hunter Biden has told the BBC he is "the most privileged person there is" after receiving a presidential pardon from his father, former US President Joe Biden, acknowledging it was not a good choice for America or his father's legacy.
- He argued to the BBC that his father ultimately acted out of concern that he would become a target under Donald Trump's incoming administration.
- President Biden granted his son a full and unconditional pardon in December 2024, despite repeatedly saying beforehand that he would not use the powers of the presidency to intervene in his son's legal cases.
- Hunter Biden admitted the pardon inflicted damage on the American people and his dad's legacy, but said the former president acted out of love for his son.
- He acknowledged the pardon was "not good" for the American people, the Constitution - or his father's legacy, stating, "It's something that is easily criticised and for good reason."
- In 2024, Hunter Biden was convicted in federal court in Delaware of felonies related to a gun purchase, where prosecutors said he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
- Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to federal tax charges in Los Angeles, avoiding a trial that could have further embarrassed his father, who was president at the time.
- Joe Biden left office in January 2025 after a single term, facing sharp bipartisan criticism for issuing a pardon to his son.
- In May 2025, Joe Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.
Hunter Biden recently reflected on the presidential pardon granted by his father, President Joe Biden, stating it was 'not good' for America or his father's legacy. He expressed gratitude but acknowledged the criticism surrounding the decision, which he described as 'easily criticised' and stemming from a desire to protect him from political attacks.19
In an interview with the BBC, Hunter stated, "It's not fair… All I know is that I'm grateful that he did it for me," while recognizing the implications of the pardon on the American people and the Constitution. He noted that his father acted out of concern for his safety under a potential Trump administration, saying, "What would you have thought of my dad if he did not do that for me?"4
The pardon, issued in December 2024, covered Hunter's federal gun conviction and tax case, despite Joe Biden's previous assertions that he would not intervene in his son's legal matters. Hunter admitted that the pardon inflicted damage on both the American public and his father's legacy, stating, "Of course I did. That’s what addiction does," referring to his struggles with substance abuse.
Hunter also shared emotional insights about his father's health, revealing that Joe Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May 2025. He expressed sadness over his father's condition, emphasizing, "Cancer is really hard… It’s really sad to watch."
Overall, Hunter's reflections highlight the complex dynamics of their relationship amid the political and personal challenges they face.
“In a BBC interview, Hunter Biden revealed he and his father never discussed a pardon beforehand, arguing such talks would inevitably become public. He also said his father's decision was driven by fear that Hunter would be targeted under Donald Trump's incoming administration, and he acknowledged his addiction had worsened his father's health.”
The Times
