Victor Davis Hanson, a prominent Hoover Institution Senior Fellow, has sparked discussions about potential future pardons within the Biden family circle.
According to Daily Caller, Hanson suggested on his podcast that President Joe Biden might extend pardons to additional family members following his controversial December 1 pardon of his son Hunter Biden.
The senior fellow's predictions stem from his analysis of Biden's recent pardoning patterns and the ongoing investigations into various family members' financial dealings.
He specifically pointed to the possibility of pardons for Ashley Biden and Jim Biden, suggesting these moves could be motivated by a desire to protect family interests and prevent further scrutiny of financial transactions.
President Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden marked a significant shift from his previous stance, where he had explicitly stated he would not issue such pardons. The reversal has led to increased speculation about future clemency actions.
Hanson offered his perspective on Biden's pardoning criteria during his podcast, stating:
It works like this. He just said, 'I'm going to pardon people, and I have two criteria for pardoning them. Whatever they can do for the Biden family or the larger friend and associate of the Biden consortium, I'll do it. And whatever makes people angry, because I'm going to be a puny little Samson that's going to pull down the temple when I go out. Give me as much chaos and nihilism as I can. Make it symbolic and the more egregious the pardon, the better.'
The investigation into Jim Biden's business dealings, particularly his involvement with Americore, has added another layer of complexity to the situation. In March 2024, South Florida investigators examined transactions showing Jim Biden received approximately $600,000 from the failed healthcare company, with subsequent transfers raising questions about potential connections to the president.
Hanson elaborated on his predictions regarding future pardons, emphasizing the potential legal implications of various financial transactions. He specifically mentioned that investigators might scrutinize a $200,000 transfer allegedly made to Joe Biden on the same day Jim Biden received payment from Americore in 2018.
The senior fellow suggested that pardons might be used to preempt questions about gift taxes, loan documentation, and interest payments on various family transactions. These concerns extend beyond Jim Biden to other family members who might face similar scrutiny.
Hunter Biden's situation remains particularly complex, as his pardon for firearms-related charges hasn't resolved questions about his international business dealings. Documents from the House Oversight Committee revealed significant wire transfers from Chinese business associates, including a $10,000 payment from Wang Xin and $250,000 from Jonathan Li in 2019.
Hanson expressed his belief about potential future pardons:
Wait till we get to the last 48 hours, Jack. I expect Ashley Biden, I expect Jim Biden, all of them get pardons. They all get pardons.
President Biden's recent clemency actions have extended beyond family matters, including nearly 1,500 inmates placed in home confinement and 39 convicted criminals who received pardons on December 12. These actions suggest a broader approach to presidential pardons and clemency powers.
Victor Davis Hanson's podcast revelations about potential future Biden family pardons have intensified scrutiny of the administration's use of presidential clemency powers. The speculation centers on President Biden's family members, particularly Ashley and Jim Biden, who might receive pardons amid ongoing investigations into various financial dealings and transactions. As the administration continues its term, observers await potential pardoning decisions that could significantly impact both the Biden family's legal situation and the president's historical legacy.
