PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Some Virginia leaders have already began expressing disappointment after President Joe Biden’s unexpected decision on Sunday to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.
Hunter was expected to be sentenced in January after being convicted of federal gun and tax crimes in June. Biden had repeatedly stated that he would not pardon his son and instead put his trust in the justice system. However, the president went back on his promise, invoking the wrath of Republicans and even some Democrats, such of which represent Virginia.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said he was “disappointed” about the president’s decision.
“President Biden made a promise to not take this step, and I do not believe in breaking promises,” Kaine said. “We all need to follow the rule of law, even—especially—when it’s hard for us personally.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) took to X to call out Biden’s actions.
“Biden’s blanket pardon reflects a troubling pattern in his administration where the line between legality and justice has blurred,” Miyares said. “This decision is beneath contempt and falls short of the standards we expect from our leaders.”