President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has plunged his approval ratings to historic lows and ignited fierce criticism from both sides of the political aisle. This controversial move, tied to Hunter’s legal troubles involving tax evasion and firearm charges, has left many questioning the president’s judgment and undermined public trust in his leadership.
A poll conducted by J.L. Partners reveals that Biden’s approval rating has sunk to 37%, a four-point drop from prior surveys. This marks the lowest point of his presidency, reflecting widespread discontent. More than half of respondents—54%—believe the pardon was a mistake, and nearly 60% say it erodes confidence in government integrity.
James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, summarized the findings starkly: “By an overwhelming margin, voters think it was the wrong thing to do. Biden’s decision has driven a stake through his own reputation.”
The fallout from the pardon is not confined to Republican critics. Among Democratic voters, less than half—47%—support Biden’s action, signaling significant fractures within his base. Republican disapproval is even more pronounced, with 79% opposing the pardon and only 13% in favor.
The poll, which surveyed 804 registered voters, also found that 54% believe the pardon sets a dangerous precedent, while only 10% view it positively. This widespread disapproval cuts across ideological lines and raises concerns about the long-term implications for Biden’s political legacy.
Biden’s clemency for his son has drawn comparisons to some of the most infamous political scandals in American history. Twenty-one percent of voters equated its impact on public trust to President Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky, which led to his impeachment. Meanwhile, 29% said the Hunter Biden pardon was even more damaging.
Half of respondents likened the fallout to the Watergate scandal, which resulted in President Richard Nixon’s resignation. These comparisons underscore the gravity with which voters view the decision and its potential consequences for the Biden administration.
The Hunter Biden pardon has exacerbated existing challenges for the president, whose approval ratings were already under pressure due to inflation, a border crisis, and concerns over foreign policy. Biden’s leadership on issues like the Middle East has drawn mixed reviews, and the latest poll highlights mounting skepticism about his ability to lead effectively.
The approval dip comes at a critical juncture. Last week, Biden’s approval stood at 41%, with 47% disapproval. Post-pardon, those numbers have shifted dramatically: 37% now approve, while disapproval has climbed to 48%. The decline underscores a growing lack of confidence in his leadership, even among some of his staunchest supporters.
The Hunter Biden scandal has sparked questions about Biden’s ability to rally his coalition ahead of the 2024 election. The poll indicates that the clemency decision has not only alienated Republican and independent voters but also created divisions within the Democratic Party.
Johnson, of J.L. Partners, painted a bleak picture for Biden’s political future. “As Biden leaves office, his already negative approval ratings have taken a further hit. He will bow out as a tarnished political figure—seen as old, ineffective, and now having made a decision that voters believe will cripple Americans’ trust in democracy.”
For months, Biden has faced mounting criticism over domestic and international issues. Persistent inflation continues to strain household budgets, while the border crisis remains a flashpoint for Republican attacks. Foreign policy missteps, particularly in the Middle East, have further eroded public confidence.
The pardon of Hunter Biden has added to these challenges, leaving the president politically vulnerable. With trust in his leadership at an all-time low, Biden must now navigate an increasingly hostile political landscape. His ability to fend off Republican attacks and rebuild confidence among Democrats will be severely tested in the weeks ahead.
The fallout from the Hunter Biden pardon may define the remainder of Biden’s presidency. The decision has amplified scrutiny of his administration and raised questions about his viability as the Democratic standard-bearer in 2024.
Biden’s political legacy is now intertwined with his son’s legal troubles and the perception of favoritism. As public trust wanes, the president faces an uphill battle to restore confidence in his leadership and chart a path forward. Whether he can recover from this latest setback remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: the Hunter Biden pardon has cast a long shadow over Joe Biden’s presidency, leaving many to wonder if he can weather the storm.
