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It’s Monday. Welcome back and happy December! First lady Jill Biden unveiled the 2024 holiday decorations at the White House this morning and it looks magical. ✨🎄
Here’s what’s happening today:
Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter has been reverberating on Capitol Hill. Even some Democrats are criticizing the president’s decision.Reporters shouted pardon questions at Biden as he flew to Africa.Dems are picking up the pieces from 2024 and reevaluating their strategy.I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here.
✋ In The White House
I beg your pardon:
President Biden sent shockwaves through Washington on Sunday night when he announced the pardon of his son Hunter Biden in both of his federal cases.
Biden’s reasoning: The president argues the charges against his son were brought for political reasons. But what is raising eyebrows is just how adamant President Biden has been that he would not do this.
The two federal cases: Hunter Biden was found guilty in June on three felony charges over his purchase and possession of a gun in 2018. Plus, he pleaded guilty in September to nine federal tax charges. He was set to face sentencing this month.
HOW IT’S PLAYING:
President-elect Trump called the pardon “an abuse and miscarriage of justice.” “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to the pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee who led an impeachment inquiry into Biden, accused........