Democratic Senator Michael Bennet has publicly criticized President Joe Biden's recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Bennet expressed his disapproval, stating that the president prioritized personal matters over his responsibilities to the American people.
Bennet highlighted Biden's reversal on his previous statements where he had repeatedly stated that he would not pardon his son. The senator emphasized that such actions could create a perception of a double standard in the justice system, favoring the wealthy and powerful over ordinary citizens.
Hunter Biden was facing sentencing for federal tax and gun convictions before being pardoned by his father. This move by President Biden has been seen as a breach of a public promise he had made earlier.
Bennet also raised concerns about the political implications of the pardon, cautioning against setting a precedent that could be exploited by political opponents. He mentioned that this could be used by former President Donald Trump to justify his own actions in the future.
While expressing his disapproval of Biden's decision, Bennet did not align with calls from other politicians, such as Senator Joe Manchin, who suggested that Biden should also pardon Trump to maintain balance in the political landscape.
The criticism from Senator Bennet adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics and implications of presidential pardons, especially when they involve close family members. The issue has sparked discussions about fairness, accountability, and the perception of justice in the United States.