Joe Biden pardons son Hunter: What it means and why it matters

Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases. Here is what we know.

US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases related to tax evasion and the purchase of a firearm.

Here is what we know about the case and the pardon:

Hunter Biden is Joe Biden’s 54-year-old middle child. He is also his only surviving son and the first child of a sitting US president to face criminal trial.

In a 2021 memoir, Hunter admitted to crack cocaine use and alcoholism, although he said he received treatment and recovered from his addictions.

Hunter faced the possibility of years in federal prison due to multiple charges related to gun possession and tax fraud.