I wish everyone would note that Old Joe pardoned his son, Hunter, for all federal, possibly all crimes from the beginning of 2014 through 2024. That includes a few future weeks yet.
I included the term all crimes because some believe that it includes state crimes as well as federal. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t know how many crimes Hunter was guilty of, let alone what he might be guilty of in the future. Truth is, I don’t know as Old Joe does.
One thing I do know. Joe hasn’t a clue what crimes Hunter is going to commit between now and the end of year. Perhaps he plans on robbing a bank or two. Near as I can tell, he is already pardoned for any such thing. Wonder if he thought of that. Fact is, once a pardon is granted, there is no “oops” function. If Hunter does something or somethings between now and the end of the year, Old Joe cannot take back the pardon or any part of it. I would say that might be embarrassing for Old Joe, but I don’t think it is possible to embarrassing the man.
To be sure, some have suspicions as to whether the pardon is legal. can a person be pardoned for future crimes? For that matter, can a pardon be issued for such a broad band of crimes, even those unknown?
Finally, and most important, the pardon has effectively put a stop to all investigations, including the ones concerning Old Joe. Effectively, Old Joe has pardoned himself without actually issuing the pardon.
How-some-ever, it does make me wonder if they can still investigate Hunter. Just because he can’t be prosecuted does not mean he can’t be required be a witness as any citizen in the prosecution of others. Moreover, he now cannot claim the fifth and he can still be prosecuted for false testimony after Jan 1, 2025. Hunter just might want to keep that lawyer handy.