Bernie Sanders Warns Biden’s Hunter Pardon Sets ‘Dangerous’ Precedent

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) expressed concern over President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, calling it a “dangerous” precedent during an interview on NBC News’ Meet The Press this weekend.

Sanders’ remarks came as host Kristen Welker questioned him about the broader implications of Biden’s sweeping pardon for Hunter, who was convicted of multiple felonies, and the possibility of the administration issuing preemptive pardons to other officials before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

“Well, I’m a little bit nervous about it,” Sanders said, suggesting that while the White House might “very seriously” consider preemptive pardons, Biden’s move to shield his son from legal accountability raises significant concerns.

Sanders acknowledged the personal motivations behind Biden’s actions. “When you have his opponents going after his family, as a father, as a parent, I think we can all understand Biden trying to protect his son and his family,” he said.

However, he warned of the broader implications for presidential authority. “On the other hand, I think the precedent being set is kind of a dangerous one,” Sanders said. “It’s a very wide-open pardon which could under different circumstances lead to problems in terms of future presidents.”

The controversy surrounding Hunter’s pardon is compounded by Biden’s repeated public assurances that he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles. His reversal has drawn sharp criticism, fueling accusations of political favoritism and undermining public trust in his administration.

Critics argue that such actions erode the rule of law and set a troubling example for future leaders, effectively signaling that personal ties can override accountability.

Sanders also weighed in on whether Biden should consider blanket pardons for current officials to shield them from potential investigations under the incoming Trump administration. While he did not outright oppose the idea, his hesitation underscored the delicate balance between political pragmatism and maintaining the integrity of the presidency.

Preemptive pardons, while constitutionally permissible, are rare and highly controversial, with many Americans viewing them as an abuse of executive power.

Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter comes as the outgoing president faces mounting scrutiny over his handling of personal and political conflicts during his term. The move has sparked fierce debate over the limits of presidential authority and its impact on public trust in government.

For Sanders, the issue is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the nation. “It’s a very slippery slope,” he warned. As the fallout from Biden’s decision continues, the precedent it sets will undoubtedly shape the conversation about executive power for years to come.

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