Sean Penn Backs Hunter Biden Pardon, Praises Him as ‘One of the Finest People’

Actor and activist Sean Penn is standing firmly behind President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for more than a decade’s worth of crimes. The unprecedented move has ignited a firestorm of criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, but Penn is unapologetic in his support.

Penn, a longtime friend of Hunter Biden, defended the president’s actions as a reflection of his fatherly instincts, telling Variety that Joe Biden’s pardon wasn’t premeditated but driven by shifting circumstances.

“I do not believe that Joe Biden, had he won the presidency, would have pardoned his son,” Penn said. “I don’t think it was a lie; I think it was a change of mind and circumstance.”

The pardon, which absolves Hunter of all crimes committed or potentially committed over an 11-year span, includes convictions for firearm and tax offenses. Hunter was facing sentencing in December that could have sent him to prison.

Penn expressed pride in Biden’s decision, framing it as an act of loyalty and compassion. “Any father that didn’t do that would have been remiss,” Penn said. “I don’t know if I want to have a beer with somebody who wouldn’t have pardoned Hunter Biden, being their son.”

The actor went further, describing Hunter Biden as “one of the finest people I know.” He praised Hunter’s resilience in battling addiction and suggested his story could inspire others.

“This is a guy who has taken on the most severe addiction and has so much to offer people who are suffering,” Penn said.

Critics, however, see the pardon as a glaring example of corruption and hypocrisy within the Biden administration. Joe Biden, who had previously pledged to uphold ethics and avoid favoritism, is now the first president in U.S. history to pardon his own child.

• Hunter’s Legal Troubles: The younger Biden was convicted on felony charges of lying on a gun purchase form in 2018 and owning the firearm while addicted to drugs. He also pleaded guilty to tax crimes and faced accusations of other financial misconduct.

• Sweeping Pardon: The pardon covers all potential crimes Hunter may have committed between 2014 and 2025, effectively preempting future prosecutions tied to ongoing investigations.

Republicans, already critical of the Biden family's financial dealings, have pointed to this move as a blatant misuse of presidential power. Democrats, too, have expressed unease, fearing the fallout could damage the party’s credibility heading into the 2024 election.

Penn didn’t stop at defending Hunter Biden. He called on the president to use his remaining time in office to grant more pardons, particularly for individuals he believes are “wrongfully charged” or “overcharged.”

“It ain’t January yet,” Penn said, referring to the upcoming election year. “I hope President Biden focuses on more pardons that are better for the world.”

While Sean Penn’s loyalty to Hunter and the Biden family is unwavering, the public outrage surrounding the pardon shows no signs of abating. Republicans have vowed to investigate further, with some calling for impeachment proceedings against Joe Biden.

As the controversy unfolds, this act of presidential leniency raises larger questions about accountability, power, and whether Joe Biden can survive the growing perception of corruption within his administration.

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