Elmo memes have flooded social media in reaction to news surrounding Hunter Biden, who was scheduled for sentencing this month on federal gun and tax evasion charges.
Social Media Erupts After President Biden Pardons Son Hunter
The internet exploded with reactions after President Joe Biden announced a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday. Despite previously vowing not to use his executive authority to intervene in his son’s legal troubles, Biden described the charges against Hunter—stemming from federal gun and tax evasion cases—as a “miscarriage of justice.”
“I believe in the justice system,” Biden stated over the weekend. “But as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process, leading to a miscarriage of justice—and once I made this decision, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”
Hunter Biden, long a target of conservative scrutiny due to his past struggles with addiction, was set to be sentenced this month for the convictions. His father’s decision to issue a blanket pardon for all federal crimes dating back to 2014 sparked fierce partisan debate on social media.
Conservative Backlash
Criticism came swiftly from the right. Far-right social media personality Libs of TikTok highlighted Biden’s past promises not to pardon Hunter, calling it another example of Democrats’ alleged dishonesty.
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh pointed to the broad scope of the pardon, which extends over 11 years, as a sign of corruption. “If Biden had only pardoned Hunter for the gun and tax charges, you could probably defend it,” Walsh wrote. “But that’s not what happened. He pardoned him for all federal crimes. A blanket pardon. This is naked political corruption.”
Walsh also took aim at conservatives defending the decision, framing it as a betrayal.
Liberal Defense
Liberals countered the criticism by pointing out perceived hypocrisy among conservatives, particularly in relation to former President Donald Trump. Many highlighted Trump’s history of pardoning associates and efforts to appoint individuals he previously pardoned.
“You’re acting like Hunter Biden stole classified documents and tried to overturn a free and fair election,” X user Karly Kingsley quipped, referencing Trump’s legal battles.
Another user, @Out5p0ken, added, “Trump is appointing people he pardoned. Sit down.”
Hunter’s Response and Internet Memes
Hunter Biden released a statement expressing gratitude for the clemency, calling it a pivotal moment in his recovery journey.
“I have taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction,” he said. “These mistakes have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport. Despite this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years.”
Hunter pledged to devote his life to helping others struggling with addiction, vowing never to take the pardon for granted.
Meanwhile, the internet filled with memes, with many depicting Hunter celebrating his father’s decision. Elmo-themed memes, particularly those involving the Sesame Street character engaging in exaggerated depictions of drug use, were especially popular.
The pardon continues to polarize social media, sparking heated debates about justice, family loyalty, and political strategy.
