The article examines President Biden's controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter, which has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. It highlights that only two U. S. presidents—William Henry Harrison and James Garfield—never issued pardons, mainly due to their short time in office before their deaths. Harrison died just 31 days after his inauguration, while Garfield was assassinated four months into his presidency and succumbed after 79 days.

Historians believe both presidents would have likely exercised their pardon powers if circumstances permitted. The article also discusses the evolution of the pardon practice, noting that modern presidents tend to issue pardons more frequently than their 19th-century predecessors. It underscores the importance of the pardon power in American politics and the potential for public backlash, as evidenced by Biden's recent decision, while providing expert insights into the complexities surrounding presidential clemency.