Hunter Biden Seeks Dismissal of Federal Gun Charges Citing Presidential Pardon Precedent
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, November 18, legal representatives for Hunter Biden filed a motion in federal court seeking the dismissal of three felony gun charges, arguing that a recent presidential pardon granted to a former political rival establishes a precedent for prosecutorial impropriety and selective enforcement. The filing, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, asserts that the Department of Justice’s pursuit of charges against the president's son, while a known associate received clemency for similar conduct, constitutes a violation of equal protection under the law. The motion specifically cites the pardon of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who was convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud in 2018. Hunter Biden faces accusations of making false statements on a federal firearms application in October 2018, which he submitted at a Delaware gun dealership while allegedly addicted to crack cocaine. The plea agreement that would have resolved the case without prison time collapsed in July 2023 after a federal judge raised concerns about its provisions. Special Counsel David Weiss, who oversaw the investigation, has yet to issue a formal response to the latest filing. Legal analysts suggest the motion is likely to be denied, as presidential pardons are generally considered acts of executive grace without bearing on standard prosecutorial discretion. A hearing on the matter has yet to be scheduled.