Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton Slams Biden's Decision on Hunter Biden Pardon: 'I'm Pretty Angry'

In a passionate and candid interview, Arizona Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton shared his frustration with President Biden’s recent decision regarding Hunter Biden's legal matters. In a post yesterday, Stanton made it clear that while he respects President Biden, he believes the president’s actions regarding his son’s legal situation were a mistake. Stanton expressed his belief that the prosecution of Hunter Biden was not politically motivated, a stance that sharply contrasts with the president’s recent comments.

Stanton explained that for months, President Biden had consistently expressed support for the judicial process, including his son’s case. The president had made it clear that he would not intervene in the legal process and had publicly supported the Department of Justice’s handling of the matter. However, in a sudden shift, President Biden’s recent remarks seemed to suggest that the prosecution of Hunter Biden could be politically driven, a position that Stanton strongly disagrees with.

“Up until yesterday, the president had agreed with me,” Stanton said. He pointed out that for a long time, Biden had firmly stated that he would not pardon his son and that he supported the rule of law. This included Hunter Biden’s conviction by a jury of his peers and his subsequent guilty plea in a tax case. Stanton emphasized that the appointment of a special counsel to oversee the investigation was meant to ensure the independence of the Justice Department. He argued that there was no evidence to suggest that the special counsel’s actions were politically motivated.

The congressman went on to express his disappointment with the president’s comments, particularly in light of Biden’s long-standing position on the importance of maintaining the independence of the Department of Justice. “President Biden has been very clear for years about his commitment to keeping the Department of Justice independent, despite ongoing attacks from the right. This is a moment when political leaders must stand firm in their support for the rule of law and judicial independence,” Stanton said.

Stanton also pointed to a statement from Colorado Senator Michael Bennett, who criticized the president’s decision, saying that it prioritized personal interest over duty and could further erode Americans’ trust in the fairness of the justice system. “I think Senator Bennett is right,” Stanton added. “It’s incredibly important for political leaders of both parties to stand up for the independence of the Department of Justice. Attacks on the Justice Department, suggesting it’s been politicized, are damaging, and they need to be resisted.”

This brings us to a critical question: Can both the president’s belief in the integrity of the legal system and his accusation of a politically motivated prosecution be true? Stanton firmly disagreed. He pointed out that there was no evidence to suggest that the special counsel’s actions were influenced by political bias. Instead, Stanton argued that the Justice Department was simply carrying out its duties as it was meant to, free from political interference.

“I’m pretty angry,” Stanton confessed. “This is a moment when we need to be defending the Department of Justice, not undermining it. The president’s comments suggest that politics are involved when they really aren’t. That’s damaging to our entire justice system.” He stressed that this was a critical moment for political leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, to stand united in support of the integrity of the justice system.

On the issue of Democratic response to Biden’s actions, Stanton expressed frustration that more of his colleagues hadn’t spoken out. While some Democrats have voiced concerns, many have remained silent, a situation that Stanton believes will change once Congress reconvenes. “I think you’re going to see more elected officials who feel the same way I do. We respect President Biden and his leadership, but on this issue, he’s made a mistake,” Stanton said.

Stanton also acknowledged the potential fallout from this situation, particularly with regards to the Republican Party’s approach to legal matters. “This will make it harder for us to do our jobs as Democrats. Whenever we question the actions of the Trump administration or the Justice Department, this will be used against us,” he said. He argued that the long-term consequences of undermining the Justice Department’s credibility could be severe, and the American people need to have confidence in the institutions that are meant to uphold justice.

Stanton was then asked to consider the situation from a personal perspective as a father. Would he have acted differently in President Biden’s shoes? “It’s a difficult question,” he replied. “As a policymaker, I have to focus on the broader implications for the justice system and the confidence people have in it. This isn’t about personal feelings; it’s about doing what’s right for the country and ensuring that our justice system remains fair and impartial.”

In the end, Stanton’s message was clear: the integrity of the Department of Justice is paramount. “We need to stand up for the justice system when it’s under attack,” he said. “I believe the special counsel acted without political motivations, and I think the president’s recent actions could do lasting damage to the public’s trust in that system.”

As this controversy continues to unfold, it is clear that the stakes are high, not only for President Biden but for the future of the U.S. justice system. With tensions rising and political divisions deepening, the question of maintaining the independence of the Department of Justice is more urgent than ever.