President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden drew sharp criticism from Republicans but also from fellow Democrats, who said the move sets a bad precedent and sows doubt in a U.S. justice system they have tried to defend against President-elect Donald Trump's attacks.

President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter deepened an entanglement of politics and the rule of law that has tarnished faith in American justice and is almost certain to worsen in Donald Trump’s second term.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday explained President Biden 's process in his decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden.

Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine tax violations in September and was convicted in a separate case on felony firearms-related charges. He could have faced decades in prison, though his upcoming sentencing was likely to be a much less severe punishment.

Legal experts said President Joe Biden's pardon of son Hunter was broad and unusual for not specifying the crimes he was being shielded from.

The president’s spokesperson on Monday offered little explanation as to why the president changed his mind, but said he maintained faith in the justice system.

The Tennessean's letters reflect the views of the authors and add to public discourse. At issue today: President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter.