President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, has drawn sharp criticism from several prominent liberal publications, including The New York Times. The Times editorial board argued that the pardon sets a dangerous precedent, echoing concerns about potential misuse of the pardon power by future presidents.

The Times editorial, titled "The Dangerous Precedent of Biden’s Pardon," asserts that the pardon undermines the justice system and fuels perceptions of favoritism for those with powerful connections. It draws parallels to concerns about former President Trump's use of pardons and expresses worry that Biden's action might embolden similar behavior in the future. The editorial board criticizes Biden for contradicting his earlier promise to avoid such a pardon and for implicitly criticizing the Department of Justice's investigation of his son.

Biden's pardon covers any potential offenses committed by Hunter between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. The president justified the pardon by claiming his son was unfairly targeted by the DOJ. This justification has caused concern among some of Biden's supporters, who fear it reinforces Trump's accusations of a politicized justice system.

The Times also expressed concern that Biden's pardon could provide justification for Trump to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, a move Trump has hinted at. The editorial board argues that while Hunter Biden's offenses are not comparable to the events of January 6th, the pardon complicates arguments against future abuses of the pardon power.

The Washington Post's editorial board echoed these concerns, suggesting that Biden's decision reinforces public skepticism about equal application of justice and potentially legitimizes Trump's efforts to reshape the justice system. The Times emphasized that Hunter Biden's admission of guilt weakens the justification for the pardon. They conclude that Biden's action damages his legacy as a defender of democratic norms and risks further erosion of trust in the justice system.