Donald Trump’s political acumen has always been a cornerstone of his appeal, but his recent maneuver against Joe Biden and his family may go down as one of his most brilliant plays. In a masterstroke of strategy, Trump effectively baited Biden into inadvertently admitting guilt on behalf of his family. Here’s how it all unfolded and why it matters.
The Pardons That Sparked Controversy
In one of his final acts as President before Trump’s anticipated re-inauguration, Joe Biden issued a flurry of pardons that shocked the nation. Among the recipients were his siblings and their spouses—five pardons in total. This comes in addition to an earlier pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering a range of crimes including tax evasion, gun-related offenses, and “other crimes known and unknown” over a ten-year span.
These six family pardons raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. What crimes could warrant such sweeping presidential clemency? According to uncovered emails from Hunter Biden’s infamous laptop, the Biden family business was a lucrative operation involving tens of millions of dollars for vaguely defined work. Notably, 10% of these earnings were reportedly “earmarked for the Big Guy”—a moniker widely believed to refer to Joe Biden himself.
The Optics of Guilt
While a pardon does not technically constitute an admission of guilt, it often carries significant implications in the court of public opinion. Historical precedents suggest that accepting a pardon can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Despite Biden’s public assurances that his family members are innocent, the act of issuing these pardons has inadvertently solidified their image as guilty parties in the eyes of many Americans.
Adding to the controversy, these pardons were issued alongside Biden’s commutations of sentences for 1,499 convicted criminals, including rapists, murderers, and other violent offenders. In total, Biden’s administration has granted 8,064 pardons and commutations—far exceeding those of any previous president. For context, Trump issued 237 pardons during his first term, while Obama granted 1,927 across two terms.
The Bigger Picture
So why would Biden take such a politically risky step? According to his statements, the pardons were meant to shield his family from “overzealous prosecutors” who might pursue them for political reasons. Ironically, this rationale underscores his familiarity with using the justice system to target political opponents—a tactic his administration has been accused of employing against Trump and his allies.
Moreover, the pardons may have unintended legal consequences. While a federal pardon eliminates the risk of prosecution for specific federal crimes, it does not extend to state-level offenses. Additionally, those who have been pardoned lose their ability to invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination when testifying about crimes for which they’ve been pardoned. This opens the door for Congress or state prosecutors to compel testimony that could further implicate the Biden family.
Trump’s Triumph in Public Opinion
While legal experts debate the implications, Trump’s strategy has already achieved its primary objective: swaying public opinion. By highlighting the pardons and linking them to incriminating evidence, Trump has effectively painted the Biden family as corrupt in the eyes of millions. The “Big Guy” emails, coupled with the sheer number of pardons, reinforce a narrative of guilt that no amount of spin can easily dispel.
In contrast, Trump himself has withstood relentless investigations and accusations over four years, emerging without any convictions. This juxtaposition bolsters his image as a fighter who has been unfairly targeted while exposing the Biden family’s vulnerabilities.
A Verdict in the Court of History
Ultimately, the true impact of Biden’s pardons will be judged not only by voters but also by historians. The pardons, coupled with mounting evidence of corruption, have already cemented a perception of guilt for the “Sordid Six”—Biden’s siblings, their spouses, and his son.
As Trump continues to dominate the political stage, his ability to expose these scandals underscores his enduring influence and strategic brilliance. In a matter of weeks, Trump has done what Biden and his army of prosecutors could not: hold the Biden family accountable—at least in the eyes of the American people.
