Stephen A Smith of ESPN criticizes Biden after granting pardon to his son: "You're not telling the truth"

On Sunday night, Biden granted a pardon to his first son.

Stephen A Smith of ESPN criticizes Biden after granting pardon to his son: "You're not telling the truth"
Stephen A Smith of ESPN criticizes Biden after granting pardon to his son: "You're not telling the truth"

President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, before he leaves office has been criticized by ESPN star Stephen A. Smith.

On Sunday, Biden declared a pardon for offenses against the U.S. that Hunter Biden may have committed from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.

On Monday night, the ESPN sports pundit began the latest episode of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" by immediately addressing the president's recent decision.

"I will publicly challenge the president of the United States' statement, stating that he is lying, and I will do so on national television."

Stephen A Smith
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith (Screenshot/ABC)

Smith stated that he had no issue with Biden not wanting his son to go to jail and was firm in his belief that President-elect Trump would have acted similarly for his own sons.

Smith stated that he had said weeks ago that the individual should let their son off, as he is a recovering addict who has struggled with demons for years. Smith acknowledged that the individual's decision to let their son off was understandable, as many people would have done the same. However, Smith emphasized that this was not the main issue and that the individual should focus on other aspects of their life.

"The problem lies in the explanation you provided. Your statement, "That's my son. I have the power to pardon him, to grant him clemency, whatever. That's what I'm doing. You all kick rocks," would have sufficed for me. Your son is your flesh and blood, and you've acknowledged that he's faced many challenges. However, the additional details you mentioned about him are unnecessary."

In his statement, Biden stated that he believed his son was treated unfairly when he was found guilty.

The president stated that the charges against him in his cases were instigated by his political opponents in Congress, who later took credit for bringing political pressure on the plea deal that unraveled in court. If the plea deal had held, it would have been a fair and reasonable resolution of his cases.

Biden and Hunter in Nantucket
A photo shows US President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden stepping out of a bookstore while shopping in Nantucket, Massachusetts on November 29, 2024. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Hunter, a trans player and traumatized teammate, had a traumatic experience with SJSU during their last trip to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. Despite his five and a half years of sobriety, Hunter was targeted solely because he is the son of the coach, which is unjust. The coach's efforts to break Hunter have been relentless, and they have also tried to break him. This behavior must stop, and enough is enough.

Smith disagreed with the idea that Hunter Biden was targeted due to the president and believed that the pardon was issued too late, following months of discussing Trump's trials and convictions before the election.

You didn't mention pardoning your son before the election, but now that you know Donald Trump is about to be sworn in as the 47th president, you're announcing it. You had planned to do this all along, which is fine, but it doesn't change the fact that you were full of it.

When you consider the Democrats' reaction to Donald Trump, you realize they are unable to speak effectively, correct? Even if you continue to speak, your words will fall on deaf ears. You are essentially whistling into the wind. No one is interested in hearing what you have to say at this time. I am not addressing you personally, but rather your political party.

"When you pardoned your son, despite telling the American people you wouldn't, after everyone knew you were lying and no one held you accountable. Now you've confirmed what people believed you would be lying about, and all you had to do was say "He's my son, I can't let him go to jail." What's the matter with y'all?"

On Sunday night, Hunter stated that he would never take lightly the clemency his father granted him and that he intends to spend his life assisting those struggling with addiction.

The first son confessed and accepted blame for his errors during his addiction's darkest days, which were later used to embarrass and disgrace him and his family for political gain.

Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

"While addicted, I lost numerous chances and benefits. In recovery, we are granted the chance to make amends and rebuild our lives if we appreciate the mercy we have been granted."

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by Ryan Gaydos

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