President Joe Biden’s blanket pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has ignited a political firestorm, drawing criticism not just from Republicans but also from prominent figures within his own party. The sweeping pardon, which absolves Hunter of all crimes he committed—or may have committed—over an 11-year period, has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage across the political spectrum.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat known for his progressive leanings, did not mince words in his criticism. Posting on X, Polis expressed sympathy for Biden’s role as a father but condemned the decision as a betrayal of presidential responsibility.

“This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Polis wrote. He emphasized that while one might understand a father’s instinct to protect his son, a President’s duty is to the nation as a whole.

Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton joined the chorus of criticism, stating bluntly that Biden “got this one wrong.” Stanton rejected any claims of political motivation in Hunter Biden’s prosecution, pointing out that the younger Biden was convicted by a jury for committing felonies. Stanton’s remarks underscore the tension between loyalty to the party and accountability to the law, a line that many Democrats now find themselves navigating carefully.

While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden’s natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.…

— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) December 2, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump seized on the controversy, using it to hammer home his longstanding critiques of a “weaponized” justice system. Trump’s fiery response on social media asked whether Biden’s pardon for Hunter would also extend to the January 6 defendants, whom he has repeatedly championed as victims of political persecution.

Trump’s campaign issued a separate statement blasting the pardon as emblematic of a double standard in the justice system. “The Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system,” the statement read. It also promised that Trump’s return to the White House would bring reforms to restore fairness and due process.

The sweeping nature of Hunter Biden’s pardon is raising alarm over its implications for future presidencies. Critics warn that such broad executive clemency risks undermining trust in the justice system by signaling that personal connections can override accountability. Even within Biden’s party, there’s growing unease over the message this sends, not just about Hunter’s culpability but about the moral and ethical responsibilities of a sitting President.

Biden’s move has handed Republicans fresh ammunition, while placing his Democratic allies in a precarious position. With party leaders already navigating a challenging political landscape ahead of 2024, the pardon could deepen internal divisions and erode public trust. Meanwhile, Trump’s camp is poised to use the controversy as proof of systemic corruption, bolstering his argument for sweeping reforms.