President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter for tax fraud has sparked controversy, particularly given his administration’s aggressive crackdown on tax evasion. Critics argue the pardon undermines Biden’s earlier push for stricter enforcement through the IRS.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, provided $78 billion to expand the IRS and hire 87,000 new employees. Biden argued this funding would close the “tax gap” and ensure wealthier Americans paid their fair share. The administration stated, “It is long past time for the wealthiest households to do the same.”
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. Prosecutors revealed the money funded a luxurious lifestyle that included drugs, escorts, and high-end travel. Without the pardon, Hunter faced up to 17 years in prison.
Biden defended the pardon, claiming Hunter was unfairly targeted due to his family name. However, federal data shows the average tax fraud sentence is 16 months, often involving much smaller sums than Hunter’s unpaid taxes.
The administration’s IRS policies have also faced scrutiny. A rule requiring Americans to report payments over $600 via Venmo or similar apps has been criticized for targeting side hustles and small businesses rather than wealthy tax evaders.
Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter also contradicts earlier promises. In a press event earlier this year, Biden stated unequivocally, “I will not pardon him.” The move has led to accusations of hypocrisy and favoritism within his administration.
