The White House defended President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for federal crimes. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the decision was made to protect Hunter from political persecution. Critics, including President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans, condemned the pardon as an injustice. The sweeping pardon covers potential federal crimes Hunter may have committed since 2014. The situation has sparked debate over the perceived weaponization of the justice system in U.S. politics.