President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter, has drawn sharp criticism, with some Democrats arguing it contradicts their warnings about Donald Trump. Hunter’s pardon, covering gun charges and tax evasion, also shields him from federal offenses over the past decade. While many sympathize with a father’s wish to protect his son, critics claim Biden’s justification echoes Trump’s rhetoric, calling the prosecution “infected with raw politics.”

Biden’s actions may weaken Democrats’ position against Trump’s controversial pardon plans, including for January 6 rioters. Ty Cobb, a former Trump counsel, said, “Whatever Trump plans…he’ll use it as justification.” Critics warn Biden’s rationale bolsters claims of corruption in the justice system.

Faith in U.S. institutions like the Justice Department has eroded, with only 22% of Americans trusting the government, per Pew Research. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said the pardon “hurt” public confidence, and Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., called it “wrong.”

Biden had vowed not to pardon Hunter, a promise critics say now damages his reputation as a “truth-teller.” Historian Douglas Brinkley remarked, “The perception that Biden was selling…doesn’t hold up.”

This decision fuels skepticism about the justice system and Biden’s legacy. Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis warned, “It legitimized accusations against the Justice Department…that will reverberate for years.”