Hunter Biden tells BBC his pardon was 'not good' for America or his father's legacy
Hunter Biden discussed his presidential pardon in a BBC interview, acknowledging that the decision was controversial and potentially damaging to his father's legacy. He defended the pardon as a protective measure against political targeting by the incoming administration.
Why it matters
The interview provides personal insight into a high-profile political controversy involving the use of executive clemency.
Figure caption, Watch: Hunter Biden says pardon was 'not good' for his father's legacy or American people
Hunter Biden has told the BBC he is "the most privileged person there is" after receiving a presidential pardon from his father, former US President Joe Biden, acknowledging it was not a good choice for America or his father's legacy.
In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Newsnight, Hunter Biden defended the controversial pardon, reflected on his father's declining health, ruled out seeking elected office and spoke about helping others recover from addiction.
Asked about the 2024 pardon, he said he understood the criticism but noted: "What would you have thought of my dad if he did not do that for me."
"It's something that is easily criticised and for good reason," he added.
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