Pardons and Politics: Hunter Biden’s Controversial Pardon

FIRST ON FOX: A revealing statement from Devon Archer, a former friend and business associate of Hunter Biden, has surfaced as significant political developments unfold. Archer, who served alongside Hunter on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, expressed his aspirations for the Justice Department under a Trump administration following President Biden’s announcement of a full pardon for his son on Sunday.

Devon Archer’s Vision for the DOJ

When asked about the implications of President Biden’s pardon for his son, Archer chose to sidestep the issue. Instead, he emphasized the importance of restoring the Justice Department to its original mandate: impartiality. “I look forward to the Trump Administration restoring the Justice Department to an institution that reflects the founding principles of justice and adheres to federal laws akin to its inception on July 1, 1870,” he told Fox News Digital. His comments echo a sentiment that the department has deviated from its primary mission in recent years.

Archer’s Legal Troubles

Devon Archer is no stranger to legal controversy himself, having faced serious charges tied to a conviction of defrauding a Native American tribe. In 2018, he was sentenced to prison for allegedly issuing million in fraudulent tribal bonds. However, a federal judge later vacated his conviction, expressing “unwavering concern that Archer is innocent” as reported by Reuters.

Despite initial exoneration, Archer’s conviction was reinstated in 2020, just before the presidential election, resulting in a one-year and one-day prison sentence handed down in February 2022. His defense attorney has maintained Archer’s innocence throughout the ordeal, insisting they would pursue multiple appeals, which have left Archer’s sentence unserved for the time being.

Hunter Biden’s Pardon

In a related move, President Biden announced on Sunday evening that he had granted a pardon to Hunter Biden following the first son’s convictions in two federal cases earlier this year. The White House indicated that the pardon covers all offenses Hunter may have committed against the U.S. between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024—coinciding with Hunter’s controversial tenure at Burisma and other intricate foreign dealings.

“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” President Biden stated. “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted.”

Political Ramifications and Reactions

The reaction to Hunter Biden’s pardon has been swift and charged, particularly among Republican leaders who have long alleged that Hunter’s business dealings during his father’s vice presidency were questionable at best. Archer has previously testified before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, providing details about the interactions between Joe and Hunter Biden which reportedly involved promoting Hunter’s so-called “brand” to enhance business opportunities.

Archer’s testimony alleged that Joe Biden participated in phone calls that facilitated business dealings, including meetings with a French energy company and Jonathan Li from BHR Partners—a private equity firm backed by the Chinese government. According to reports, Archer contended that Hunter’s presence on Burisma’s board brought significant value to the firm, which may have struggled without “the brand” of the then-Vice President.

Despite consistent claims from the Biden campaign and administration that Joe Biden never discussed his son’s business operations, Archer’s assertions pose a challenge to that narrative. In the face of this testimony, Democrats maintain that Hunter has committed no wrongdoing and that President Biden has stood by his son’s character amidst the controversy.

A Father’s Defense

President Biden took to the platform to consistently defend his son, stating in a recent address, “Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.” He highlighted the typical legal resolutions for individuals who may have similar issues, arguing that Hunter’s treatment was unjustly severe due to political motivations.

Moreover, Biden pointed to his son’s struggle with addiction, suggesting that “raw politics” had contributed to the challenges faced by Hunter and the undermining of his plea deal. “There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober,” Biden stated. “In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.”

Conclusion: A Heated Political Climate

As the discussions surrounding Hunter Biden’s pardon continue in the media and governmental circles, the ramifications of these events extend well beyond the Biden family. The impact on the Justice Department, public opinion, and the ongoing investigations into both Biden and Trump administrations will likely dominate national conversations for the foreseeable future.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton and Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report.