Three former top aides to President Obama blasted President Biden for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, after saying he would not. During a Tuesday episode of Pod Save America, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor-who during the Obama Administration held influential positions frustrated with the president’s actions, stated that this move was a breach of trust that had hurt Biden’s and the Democratic Party’s reputation.
Notably, Tommy Vietor berated Biden for making his defenders appear “stupid.” He complained that the move to pardon Hunter undermined the credibility of those who had defended Biden’s integrity. “Now everyone looks stupid. Everyone looks like they are full of s—,” Vietor exclaimed and also grumbled that Republicans would most likely use the pardon to prove political hypocrisy. He added that Biden’s actions have created a cynical feeling, damaging the image of politicians and eroding trust in the Democratic Party.
Jon Favreau seconded the concerns aired by Vietor, admitting that he felt betrayed by Biden’s reversal. “I believed him. I feel like a f—ing fool,” he said, dismayed that the president did not respect his earlier stance regarding pardoning his son. Favreau, a former speechwriter for Obama, also seized on the selective use of the pardon by Biden to point out that others, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci-who had been a target of political adversaries-were not pardoned.
Jon Lovett, a former Obama aide, cautioned that the pardon would give Republicans ammunition to say Biden was trying to immunize himself against potential legal liability in his dealings as vice president regarding his son Hunter’s business activities. Lovett emphasized that there is no evidence to substantiate claims of financial gain on the part of Biden; however, this appearance of conflict of interest can only damage Biden’s credibility and hurt the Democratic Party’s standing.
Hunter Biden has faced several legal issues in recent months, pleading guilty to tax-related charges and being convicted on felony gun charges. The pardon prevents his sentencing and covers any potential crimes he may have committed between 2014 and 2024.
Despite the controversy, the White House has yet to comment on the backlash from Biden’s former allies.
