In a decision stirring political debate, former President Donald Trump has officially pardoned Devon Archer, the former business associate of Hunter Biden. The move, announced on Tuesday, follows years of legal battles for Archer, who was convicted of fraud in a case unrelated to his business dealings with the Biden family.
Trump Calls Archer a Victim of Injustice
Trump, addressing the pardon, stated that Archer was “treated very unfairly” and that, after reviewing the case, he believed Archer had been a victim of wrongdoing rather than a perpetrator.
“Many people have asked me to do this. They think he was treated very unfairly,” Trump said before signing the pardon. “I looked at the records, studied the records, and he was a victim of a crime, as far as I’m concerned. So we’re going to undo that. Congratulations, Devon.”
Archer, known for his past association with Hunter Biden at Burisma Holdings, was convicted in 2018 for his role in a scheme involving fraudulent tribal bonds. Though his conviction was briefly overturned, it was reinstated in 2020, leaving his legal fate uncertain until Trump’s intervention.
Archer’s Ties to the Biden Family and Political Controversy
Beyond his fraud conviction, Archer became a key witness in the investigation into the Biden family’s foreign business dealings. In 2023, he testified before the House Oversight Committee, revealing that Hunter Biden had put his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, on speakerphone multiple times while discussing business deals.
However, Archer clarified that Joe Biden never directly discussed business during those calls. Despite the testimony, the White House strongly denied any wrongdoing, calling the claims a failure to produce evidence that Joe Biden was actively involved in his son’s business affairs.
Trump’s Weekend Meeting with Archer and His Justification for the Pardon
Just days before issuing the pardon, Trump met with Archer at the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia. Following the meeting, Archer expressed gratitude, stating he had received “very encouraging words” from the former president.
Trump’s political advisor, William Scharf, justified the decision, claiming Archer was unfairly targeted due to his cooperation with Congress in the Biden investigation. “We believe that was an injustice. And, therefore, we’re asking you to pardon,” Scharf stated.
Biden’s Own Pardon for Hunter Biden Adds to the Debate
Adding to the controversy, President Joe Biden had already issued a sweeping pardon for Hunter Biden before leaving office in January. The pardon covered any potential offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, further fueling political tensions surrounding the Archer case.
With Trump’s decision now finalized, political reactions are pouring in from both sides. Supporters argue that the pardon corrects an unfair targeting of a key witness, while critics see it as a strategic move to discredit the Biden administration ahead of upcoming elections.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear—Trump’s pardon of Devon Archer has reignited the battle over political influence, justice, and presidential powers.
