Pardon Me? Biden’s Desperate Power Play to Protect the Family Business
Hunter’s pardon, debanking dissenters, and DOJ cover-ups—how much more can the Biden legacy bend before it breaks
December 3, 2024
This week, we’re diving headfirst into the Biden administration's past, present, and the kind they’d rather we forget.
On Sunday evening, just before Joe Biden jetted off to Angola to finally fulfill a long-standing promise to visit the continent — nice to see he can keep some promises — he quietly dropped a bombshell: a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. This, despite Biden's earlier pinky promise to accept whatever outcome arose because, after all, "no one is above the law."
The pardon, broad enough to make even some of his supporters squirm, seems to confirm what many have suspected for years — Hunter’s questionable dealings with foreign powers weren’t just reckless side gigs during a drug-induced bender; they likely funneled cash straight into the family coffers. Selling access to then-Vice President Biden while the checks cleared? Let’s just say the math isn’t hard to do.
While Biden supporters spin this as a heartwarming tale of fatherly devotion, the overreach screams something far less noble. This isn’t about protecting Hunter; it’s about protecting the family business. The move also throws fuel on the fire stoked by IRS whistleblowers, who revealed how the DOJ bent over backward to shield Hunter from accountability and bury investigations that could implicate Joe Biden himself.
While Hunter Biden was allegedly making foreign cash grabs during Joe Biden’s time as vice president, the real twist came later, when Biden ascended to the presidency and his administration weaponized the banking industry to silence dissent. The same family that allegedly padded their wallets with foreign funds turned to "debanking" political opponents, ensuring Americans with the "wrong" political affiliations found themselves blacklisted by financial institutions. So much for being the party of liberty and democracy.
With Trump’s new presidency on the horizon, anchored by promises to overhaul the DOJ and expose corruption, Biden’s preemptive pardon reeks of self-preservation. It’s not just about Hunter; it’s about holding back a tidal wave of revelations that could bury the entire Biden clan.
But here’s the deal: the pardon doesn’t make the questions go away. Whistleblowers are still sounding alarms about the favoritism Hunter received and the foreign funds that might have lined Biden’s pockets. And while the pardon might shield Hunter, it does nothing to protect the rest of the family — or their reputation.
Debanking. Whistleblowers. A last-minute pardon. Let’s dig in.
In this edition of Underground Dispatch:
Hunter's Pardon: Biden’s Desperation Play?: Joe Biden’s sweeping pardon shields Hunter Biden—and himself 🤞🏻— from a decade of potential legal jeopardy. Is this a desperate attempt to protect the family legacy, or a gambit that could backfire spectacularly?
Debanked and Defenseless: Government Weaponization of Financial Systems: From crypto innovators to Melania Trump, financial systems are being weaponized to silence dissent. Silicon Valley insider Marc Andreessen reveals how deep the rot goes.
Catherine Herridge Unveils Explosive Allegations: Hunter Biden, IRS Whistleblowers, and the Biden “Cover-Up”: IRS whistleblowers testify that the Justice Department bent over backward to protect Hunter Biden while suppressing damning evidence tied to Joe Biden. Catherine Herridge’s reporting exposes a system rigged against accountability.
The truth is out there, but you won’t find it in the narratives they’re selling. Let’s dig and get the bigger picture.
Hunter's Pardon: Biden’s Desperation Play?
In a move that shocked absolutely no one paying attention—except, of course, Biden’s loyal supporters who still cling to the fantasy of his "integrity"—President Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son Hunter. While those of us with common sense and a healthy skepticism about Biden’s track record fully expected this, his wide-eyed defenders are left "stunned" by a decision that perfectly aligns with his pattern of corruption and broken promises.
Highlights:
A Decade of Immunity: Biden’s sweeping pardon spans all offenses Hunter "has committed or may have committed" between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This conveniently covers the most lucrative period of Hunter’s dealings with Burisma, CEFC China Energy, and other foreign entities, shielding him—and potentially Joe Biden—from allegations of influence-peddling, money laundering, and FARA violations.
Strategic Timing: The pardon’s backdated timeline sidesteps federal statutes of limitations, which typically range from five to six years for crimes like tax fraud or money laundering. By extending the timeline back to 2014, Biden effectively extinguishes any lingering legal threats tied to Hunter’s conduct during Joe Biden’s tenure as vice president.
Timing Raises Red Flags: Just as Hunter faced sentencing for gun and tax charges, the pardon came on the heels of a 52-page report from Hunter’s attorneys alleging "political prosecution." While the report focused on existing charges, the pardon’s sweeping nature shields Hunter from far broader allegations, including potential FARA violations, effectively slamming the door on inquiries that could implicate the entire Biden family enterprise.
Collapsed Plea Deal Replaced by Blanket Immunity: Hunter’s prior attempt to secure immunity for FARA-related charges during a plea agreement that fell apart in court. This pardon conveniently achieves the same outcome—without the need for courtroom approval.
Fifth Amendment Gone: The pardon strips Hunter of his Fifth Amendment protections, leaving him vulnerable to congressional subpoenas. Republicans, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, plan to call Hunter as a witness, potentially forcing him to testify under oath about his—and his father’s—dealings.
Protecting the Biden Legacy: This is the first time in U.S. history that such a sweeping pardon has been granted to a private citizen for actions taken in a private capacity. By shielding Hunter, Biden not only protects his son but also himself and his administration from deeper scrutiny.
Financial Windfalls Under Fire: Hunter’s alleged financial gains include $3 million from Burisma and $5.1 million from CEFC China Energy, with funds reportedly flowing through shell companies to benefit other Biden family members. These payments, tied to Joe Biden’s vice presidency, add to mounting allegations of influence-peddling.
A Reversal of Promises: Biden’s issuance of this pardon marks a stark departure from his earlier claims that he would not pardon Hunter. This shift underscores a broader strategy of denial and deflection, ultimately rewriting the rules to shield his family from accountability.
Hunter’s Defense and Biden’s Justification
Hunter’s Statement: In a carefully worded statement, Hunter expressed gratitude: "I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering."
Biden’s Spin: President Biden painted the pardon as an act of justice, declaring, "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son." He framed the pardon as a response to what he called political persecution: "In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me—enough is enough."
Going Deeper
The Damning Implications of 2014
Let’s be real: if this were truly about a father’s love and sparing his son from prison, Biden could have issued a commutation. That would have kept Hunter out of jail while leaving his convictions intact. Instead, Biden opted for a full pardon—not just erasing Hunter’s current convictions but wiping out any possible future convictions for crimes committed in the past.
This pardon doesn’t merely absolve Hunter of his gun and tax convictions; it shields him from any potential federal crimes dating back to January 2014—a timeframe conspicuously covering Hunter’s involvement with Burisma, CEFC China Energy, and other deals that allegedly enriched the Biden family. By preemptively extinguishing legal threats tied to a decade of potential misconduct, this pardon raises the stakes far beyond the existing charges against Hunter.
The reach of this pardon is as revealing as it is damning. It’s not about protecting Hunter from the law—it’s about protecting the Biden legacy from the truth.
The Timeline and Context Behind the Pardon
The timeframe of the pardon is no accident. Federal statutes of limitations for crimes like tax fraud or money laundering generally range from five to six years. By rolling the clock back to 2014—nearly 11 years ago—Biden preemptively shields Hunter from allegations that could implicate him or other family members.
This sweeping move comes just as Hunter faces sentencing for gun and tax charges and shortly after his attorneys filed a 52-page report alleging "political prosecution." The collapsed plea deal over the summer, where Hunter sought immunity for Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)- related allegations, foreshadowed this extraordinary measure. Judge Maryellen Noreika’s refusal to approve vague immunity terms forced the administration’s hand, resulting in this preemptive pardon.
A Decade of Immunity
By pardoning Hunter for offenses between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, Biden strategically shields his son during a period rife with questionable activity. This includes:
Foreign Cash Grabs: $3 million from Burisma and $5.1 million from CEFC China Energy, funds allegedly funneled through shell companies to benefit other Biden family members.
FARA Violations: Evidence suggests Hunter engaged in unregistered foreign lobbying, with testimony and emails implicating Joe Biden’s potential complicity.
The “Big Guy”: A 2017 email referencing a "10% cut for the big guy," believed to refer to Joe Biden, and corroborating testimony from Hunter’s business partner, Rob Walker.
Had the offenses been limited to tax or gun violations, a narrower pardon would have sufficed. Instead, this sweeping measure suggests Biden is shielding far more than his son—it’s about protecting himself and the family enterprise.
What the Pardon Means for Hunter—and Biden
While the pardon spares Hunter from future prosecution, it strips him of his Fifth Amendment protections, leaving him vulnerable to congressional subpoenas. Republicans, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, have already signaled plans to call Hunter as a witness. Ironically, this pardon may force Hunter into a position where he could testify under oath about his—and his father’s—dealings.
Congressional scrutiny is intensifying, with the focus shifting to tracing financial flows and uncovering the full extent of the influence-peddling that allegedly enriched the Biden family.
Biden’s Pattern of Deception
This blanket pardon is an unsurprising reversal of Biden’s promises. As recently as June, Biden publicly claimed he wouldn’t pardon Hunter—a claim repeated by his administration well into November. Yet, with this sweeping act, Biden has shown that when push comes to shove, protecting the Biden legacy comes before keeping his word.
Underground Analysis:
This pardon isn’t about justice or compassion. It’s a calculated move to protect the Biden family legacy, but time will tell if this strategy works. With Hunter now vulnerable to congressional subpoenas, the possibility of him being compelled to testify against Joe Biden looms large. The move may have closed legal loopholes for prosecutors, but it has opened the door to political consequences that could be equally damaging.
And this may not be the last Biden pardon. As investigations into the family’s business dealings continue, questions linger about Joe Biden’s brother, Jim Biden, who has also been implicated in alleged influence-peddling schemes. Could Jim Biden be the next beneficiary of Joe’s clemency? If so, it would further confirm what many have suspected all along: the Bidens don’t just play by different rules—they rewrite them for their own benefit.
The timing, scope, and rationale of this pardon reveal more about Joe Biden’s motives than any press release ever could. This isn’t about Hunter—it’s about Joe. And while this sweeping pardon shields the Biden family from immediate legal threats, it ensures that public scrutiny and congressional inquiries will continue.
For the American public, this is yet another glaring example of a two-tiered justice system: one for the powerful and well-connected, and another for everyone else. The Bidens may believe their strategy is airtight, but the truth has a way of surfacing—whether in courtrooms, congressional hearings, or the court of public opinion.
Dig Deeper
Hunter Biden’s team issues a fiery defense ahead of sentencing, possible pardon - Washington Post
We haven’t seen a pardon as sweeping as Hunter Biden’s in generations - Politico
Hunter Is ‘Treated Differently’ By Deep State, But Not How Joe Biden’s Pardon Suggests - The Federalist
Hunter's Lawyer Moves To Dismiss Indictment After Pardon - ZeroHedge
Debanked and Defenseless: How the Government Weaponized Financial Systems Against Political Opponents
In an eye-opening interview with Joe Rogan, Silicon Valley titan Marc Andreessen revealed a systematic government campaign to weaponize financial systems against political opponents by designating them "politically exposed persons." This isn’t a conspiracy theory—it’s happening in plain sight.
From cryptocurrency founders to conservative activists and even members of Donald Trump’s family, the Biden administration’s use of "debanking" tactics is a chilling abuse of power. Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Reserve have been quietly pressuring banks to sever ties with politically inconvenient individuals and industries, leaving them financially isolated.
Highlights
The Kill Switch is Real: Andreessen revealed how financial regulators classify disfavored industries—like crypto, fintech, and firearms—as "high risk," effectively blacklisting them. Banks are given a stark choice: cut ties with these clients or face audits, investigations, and sky-high FDIC premiums.
Libra’s Political Assassination: David Marcus, former head of Facebook’s Libra project, detailed how the government used intimidation to kill the cryptocurrency initiative. Despite meeting all regulatory requirements, Marcus said banks were scared off by soft pressure from the Federal Reserve and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, calling Libra’s demise a "100% political kill."
Crypto Innovators in the Crosshairs: Over the last four years, 30 tech founders have been debanked without warning or explanation after being designated a "politically exposed person." Andreessen made it clear: this isn’t about protecting consumers—it’s about silencing competition and protecting entrenched financial institutions.
The Trump Family Blacklisted: Even Melania and Barron Trump weren’t spared. Banks like BankUnited, Signature Bank, and Professional Bank cut ties with the Trump family under the guise of "reputational risk." Insiders suggest these moves were part of a coordinated effort to isolate Trump and his affiliates, using financial institutions as political enforcers.
Going Deeper
This isn’t just about bad banking practices; it’s about weaponizing financial systems to crush dissent. By designating individuals as "politically exposed persons" and industries as "high risk," the Biden administration has effectively turned regulatory agencies such as the CFPB and FDIC into tools of political enforcement. Banks, fearing audits and regulatory retaliation, are acting as pawns in a larger game of silencing political opposition and suppressing disruptive innovation.
Andreessen calls it a "privatized sanctions regime," and he’s right. These actions allow the government to sidestep constitutional protections, imposing punishment without transparency or accountability. When tech innovators and conservative figures are being systematically debanked, it’s clear the administration isn’t just protecting the status quo—it’s weaponizing it.
The debanking of Melania and Barron Trump takes this abuse to a new level. A former First Lady and a child were deemed too controversial for financial services, underlining just how far these tactics can go. While banks may claim these were independent decisions, the consistency and coordination suggest otherwise.
Underground Analysis
The Biden administration’s crackdown on political and economic dissent isn’t just an abuse of power—it’s a direct assault on freedom. Under the guise of combating "domestic extremism," agencies like the CFPB and Federal Reserve have turned financial systems into tools for punishing those who challenge the administration’s narrative. This isn’t just about targeting the Trumps or crypto enthusiasts; it’s about creating a chilling effect that discourages dissent and innovation across the board.
Marc Andreessen’s revelations should serve as a wake-up call. The systematic debanking of political opponents and innovators isn’t just an attack on individuals—it’s a threat to the foundational principles of free enterprise and free speech. If the government can pressure banks to cut off financial services to anyone who challenges the status quo, where does it end?
For anyone who values individual freedoms, this issue should be front and center. The Biden administration’s use of soft power to stifle opposition is a dangerous precedent that demands accountability and reform. If financial systems are allowed to remain weapons of political control, the implications for democracy and economic freedom are dire.
Dig In
How Libra Was Killed - David Marcus
Billionaire Tech Investor Says Biden Admin Pressured Financial Institutions To ‘Debank’ Opponents - Daily Wire
Trump steps out of the White House and into a company in crisis - Washington Post
Catherine Herridge Unveils Explosive Allegations: Hunter Biden, IRS Whistleblowers, and the Biden “Cover-Up”
Catherine Herridge is making waves, and for good reason. The investigative journalist is at the forefront of exposing the political interference that’s tainted the Justice Department’s handling of Hunter Biden’s investigations—and it’s not a pretty picture. Armed with testimony from IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, Herridge has brought to light a web of systemic bias and cover-ups that raises serious concerns about fairness, accountability, and political meddling at the highest levels.
Highlights
IRS Whistleblowers Spill the Beans: Shapley and Ziegler didn’t mince words. They revealed that steps in investigating Hunter Biden were blocked because the Biden family was classified as "sensitive persons." Let that sink in—Hunter and Joe were given special treatment, even though neither held elected office during the 2020 investigation. That’s a blatant violation of IRS guidelines.
The Laptop That Wasn’t Supposed to Exist: The infamous Hunter Biden laptop? Authenticated by late 2019. According to Shapley, there was a coordinated effort to discredit it as "Russian disinformation" to influence the 2020 election. The story wasn’t just suppressed—it was buried alive.
Joe Biden’s 10% Cut?: Emails on Hunter’s laptop reference a deal with "10% held by H for the big guy." According to the whistleblowers, "the big guy" wasn’t just anyone—it was Joe Biden himself, then a private citizen.
Trump vs. Hunter: Double Standards Galore: The whistleblowers also pointed out how differently Trump and Hunter have been treated. While Trump’s legal issues are regularly leaked to the public, Hunter’s have been shielded under the guise of privacy. Fair? Not even close.
IRS High Fives for a Plea Deal: After Hunter’s plea deal on tax charges in September, IRS investigators received congratulatory emails. Shapley called it a hollow gesture, given the earlier interference in the case.
Underground Analysis
This story doesn’t just reek of bias—it screams it. The whistleblowers’ testimony paints a damning picture of a system rigged to favor the powerful. Hunter Biden wasn’t just treated with kid gloves; the entire investigation was sabotaged to protect him and, by extension, his father. From suppressing the laptop story before the 2020 election to blocking investigative steps, it’s clear there was an effort to shape public perception and shield the Bidens from scrutiny.
The timing of these revelations—just as Trump faces mounting legal challenges—makes the double standard glaring. Hunter gets classified as a "sensitive person," while Trump gets dragged through the mud for the world to see. If that doesn’t raise questions about the integrity of the DOJ, what will?
Catherine Herridge, however, refuses to let this story fade into the shadows. Her dogged reporting is proof of why independent journalism is essential. Without it, these abuses of power might never see the light of day.
Dig In
CBS News violated 'standard practice' by shortchanging Hunter Biden laptop review: fired reporter - Just the News
Ex-CBS Reporter Alleges Network Defied Bosses Over Biden Probe - NewsMax
IRS whistleblowers say they were banned from investigating Joe Biden - DailyMail
Beneath the Surface
Again, we see a consistent pattern of abuse from the Biden administration. The latest examples—the blanket pardon for Hunter Biden, the weaponization of financial systems against political opponents, and revelations of a rigged justice system—are not just acts of corruption. They are acts of desperation.
These moves aren’t about governing; they’re about maintaining power and surviving. With Trump’s historic return to the presidency and his decisive nominations of Pam Bondi for Attorney General and Kash Patel for FBI Director, it’s clear this administration knows the clock is ticking. Bondi and Patel are bold reformers who have built careers on exposing corruption, and their leadership signals Trump’s intent to root out rot in the DOJ and FBI. The Biden team’s actions suggest they fear not just political loss but legal consequences when the layers of institutional protection are peeled back.
The panic is evident in their blatant overreach. Biden’s pardon for Hunter wasn’t just unprecedented; it was an extraordinary move to preempt a decade of potential crimes, shutting down investigations that could have implicated him. While it’s not the first time a pardon has covered future prosecution for past actions—President Ford’s pardon of Nixon and President George H.W. Bush’s Iran-Contra pardons come to mind—this is the first time such a sweeping pardon has been issued for a private citizen acting in a private capacity. Hunter wasn’t an elected official like Nixon or a government actor tied to policy decisions. He was allegedly enriching himself, his father, and his family by selling access to the Vice Presidency.
Meanwhile, the same administration that claims to champion democracy has created a shadow system of financial punishment for those conducting legal business but who don’t align with the Biden administration’s agenda—all while Hunter gets his record wiped clean and is shielded from future prosecution for corruption that financially benefited himself and the Biden family. Unelected bureaucrats have weaponized financial systems to silence dissent, leaving opponents debanked, defunded, and defenseless. It’s a blatant display of double standards, where loyalty to the administration’s narrative grants immunity while dissent invites financial ruin.
But the stakes go beyond political squabbles. These actions represent a broader erosion of accountability, transparency, and trust in institutions. The Biden administration’s desperation to control the narrative reveals just how much they have to lose when the truth comes out.
What to Watch:
Investigative Fallout: With Hunter’s Fifth Amendment protections removed, congressional subpoenas are all but guaranteed. Expect Republican-led inquiries to unravel new details about the Biden family’s financial dealings and DOJ interference.
Institutional Reforms: Trump’s administration is poised to expose systemic corruption and push for reforms that could redefine federal agencies like the DOJ and FBI. The revelations may trigger a reckoning for institutions that have long operated without accountability.
Escalation of Fear Tactics: The Biden administration and its allies in the media are likely to double down on fear-based narratives to distract from their misdeeds and maintain control over public perception.
As the Biden administration clings to power, the underlying message is clear: they know their days of unchecked influence are numbered. Trump’s return represents a shift, not just in leadership, but in the rules of the game. The desperation we’re witnessing now isn’t just a reaction to political loss—it’s the reaction of a regime that knows what’s coming when the truth finally sees daylight. For those who value accountability and the rule of law, the fight for reform is only beginning.
Dispatch Discussion
If congressional investigations into the Biden family proceed, what do you think are the chances of meaningful accountability, and what obstacles might stand in the way?
What are the broader implications of "debanking" and financial system weaponization for free enterprise and free speech? Have you seen similar examples in your own life or community?
What role do you think the media plays in perpetuating—or exposing—these abuses? Are there any specific media outlets you trust to provide balanced coverage of these issues?
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Thanks so much for this compilation!