WASHINGTON — President Biden saluted onlookers Sunday night time from the highest steps of Air Pressure One whereas making his first public look since pardoning his son Hunter.
Biden, 82, made the patriotic gesture after strolling up the the shorter set of steps to the presidential jet as he departed for an official journey to Angola.
The retiring commander in chief additionally flashed a thumbs up and blew a kiss — to whom it was unclear — as he ignored shouted journalist questions in regards to the unprecedented clemency grant.
Biden defiantly claimed in an announcement greater than two hours prior that Hunter, 54, was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.”
Joe Biden was the topic of a Home impeachment inquiry as a result of his personal recurring function in Hunter’s international enterprise relationships, together with in Ukraine and with two Chinese language state-linked firms.
The pardon was controversial instantly — with fellow Democrats saying the choice undermined Biden’s insistence that Individuals ought to respect the authorized system.
“This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” mentioned Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colo.).
“Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.”