Recently, President Joe Biden made waves with his comments defending his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. In a candid interview with USA Today, Biden also made some bold claims about inflation. So, what’s fact and what’s fiction? Let’s unpack the details together in a straightforward, no-nonsense way.
The Hunter Biden Pardon: A Closer Look
In December, Biden granted an unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, shielding him from legal troubles related to tax and gun convictions. This move sparked heated debates, with critics questioning the fairness of the decision.
When asked about it, Biden said he stuck to his promise not to grant clemency but cited “two factors” that changed his mind. Here’s where things get interesting:
- The Tax Issue
- Biden said Hunter had “paid all his taxes,” including back taxes.
- While it’s true Hunter eventually paid $2 million in taxes (including penalties), a judge ruled that this didn’t excuse the alleged crimes. Prosecutors argued that Hunter’s late payment didn’t erase the fact that he initially broke the law by falsifying tax returns and evading taxes.
- The Gun Charges
- Biden claimed Hunter was unfairly prosecuted for lying about his drug use on a background check form when purchasing a gun. According to the president, “nobody” has ever faced charges for something like this.
- However, legal experts and prosecutors disagree. While such cases are rare, they aren’t unprecedented. Typically, these charges come with more serious crimes, but Hunter’s case stood out because it was pursued on its own.
What About the Gun?
Biden also claimed the revolver at the center of Hunter’s case was “returned.” But trial evidence painted a different picture. The gun was tossed in a grocery store trash can by Hunter’s partner and later found by a stranger. Eventually, police recovered it—not exactly the same as being “returned.”
Biden’s Inflation Claim: Truth or Stretch?
When asked about inflation, Biden pointed to legislative successes, saying, “We avoided a recession, and the inflation rate was 9% when I took office. Now it’s 2.34%.”
Sounds impressive, but here’s the reality:
- The inflation rate in January 2021, when Biden became president, was actually 1.4%, not 9%.
- Inflation only hit 9% in June 2022, more than a year into his presidency.
- The most recent inflation rate in November 2024 was 2.7%, not 2.34%.
So, where does the confusion come from? The White House clarified that Biden meant to highlight how global factors, like the pandemic, fueled inflation. While his efforts may have helped stabilize the economy, his numbers didn’t quite add up.
What This Means for You
Whether you support Biden or not, it’s important to separate facts from exaggerations. Decisions like the Hunter Biden pardon and statements about the economy affect how people view leadership and fairness. By digging into the details, we can better understand the choices being made at the highest level.
So, what’s your take? Do these claims change how you see things, or do they raise more questions? Let’s keep the conversation going!
Final Thoughts
Politics aside, one thing is clear: Facts matter. Whether we’re talking about pardons or inflation, transparency and accountability should always come first. Keep asking questions, stay informed, and remember—understanding the truth empowers us all.