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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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A new Associated Press-NORC poll reveals that only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.
The pardon, issued after Hunter was convicted on gun and tax charges, has sparked bipartisan disapproval and criticism over the president's reversal on his previously stated stance that he would make the move.
How Do Americans View the Pardon?
The poll found that just over half of respondents said they "strongly" or "somewhat" disapprove of the decision, while only a small percentage—22 percent—"strongly" or "somewhat" approve. About 2 in 10 Americans remain neutral on the issue.
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Biden had repeatedly stated that he would not use his presidential powers to benefit his family, a stance he maintained even after Donald Trump's election victory in November. However, his December 1 decision to pardon Hunter marked a dramatic shift.
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"I know it's not right to believe politicians as far as what they say compared to what they do, but he did explicitly say, 'I will not pardon my son,'" said Peter Prestia, a Republican from Woodland Park, New Jersey, who strongly disagreed with the decision.
What Drove Biden's Decision?
Biden justified the pardon by describing the Justice Department's handling of Hunter's case as a "miscarriage of justice."
The president's language echoed rhetoric used by Trump in describing his own legal challenges. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden wrestled with the decision but ultimately concluded it was necessary because of "how politically infected these cases were" and due to the actions of his political opponents.
The poll revealed divided opinions along partisan lines, though only 4 in 10 Democrats supported the pardon, while roughly 3 in 10 disapproved, and a quarter had no opinion.
The majority—51 percent—of independents viewed the pardon and Republicans overwhelmingly—80 percent—said the same.
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Does the Pardon Affect Biden's Approval Ratings?
Although the pardon has generated significant political fallout, Biden's overall job approval remains largely unchanged.
Around 4 in 10 Americans continue to approve of his performance, consistent with AP-NORC polling since early 2022. However, some demographic differences emerged regarding the pardon. Older adults were more likely than younger ones to approve, with one-third of those over 60 expressing support for the move compared to about 2 in 10 younger adults.
For many, Biden's reversal on his promise was a sticking point. "Don't say you're gonna do something and then fall back," said Trinell Champ, a Democrat from Texas, who disapproved of the pardon. "At the end of the day, all you have is your word."
The decision underscores the challenges Biden faces in political optics as he nears the end of his presidency.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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