By Jen Schumann | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The announcement of Hunter Biden’s pardon from his father, President Joe Biden, raised eyebrows nationwide. And, in Mesa County, it has launched endless questions about the integrity of the justice system.
In a Grand Junction café, the coffee comes with political conversations that reflect the deep skepticism of federal leadership.
Residents here are watching closely and their reactions highlight a range of concerns, from distrust in government promises to broader questions about fairness in the justice system.
For Gerald Gustin, a U.S. Navy veteran, the pardon marked a clear departure from assurances made by the White House: “Karine Jean-Pierre said multiple times it wouldn’t happen. And yet, here we are,” he said, referencing a series of press briefings in which the White House press secretary denied any plans for a pardon.
Recall that White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre consistently asserted that President Joe Biden would refrain from intervening in legal proceedings pertaining to his son, Hunter Biden. pic.twitter.com/yijcldqXDM
— Rob (@_ROB_29) December 5, 2024
Gustin also expressed unease about what the decision signals for future pardons: “Now they’re announcing more [theorhetical] pardons, and some of those being considered include Dr. Anthony Fauci.”
When asked what this means for justice in America, Gustin’s response was blunt. “We’re in a pretty bad place.”
Café owner Kaylie Davis enjoys political conversations, often discussing current events with her customers. She views Hunter Biden’s recent pardon as more than just an isolated incident. To Davis, it’s part of a broader strategy of using federal power as a shield against accountability for illegal actions.
“Joe Biden’s pardoning himself, not just Hunter,” she said. “The oil businesses, the bio labs — the pardon is cover for all of it.” Davis points to what she perceives as systemic corruption, stating, “There’s a whole lot of guilty parties in our government.”
Davis also framed the debate within global politics, drawing parallels to historical events.
“We hear the spin about Putin being the bad guy. Many don’t think he’s a good guy, but we didn’t like it when enemies mobilized with weapons of war in Cuba. We’ve got to respect Putin for wanting to protect his country,” she said.
For Doug Bryant, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran, the pardon illustrates what he sees as a “bigger problem we have with the rule of law across the nation,” he said. Bryant contrasted Hunter Biden’s treatment with that of Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.
“The Colorado secretary of state is not being prosecuted while [Mesa County Clerk] Tina Peters is in prison.” Bryant argues that the BIOS password exposure by the Colorado secretary of state’s office is a hundred times worse than what Peters was charged with. “It just goes to show that the people who are privileged receive one type of justice, while the rest of us receive another.”
Bryant also highlighted the misinformation surrounding the Hunter Biden laptop controversy: “The 51 intelligence operatives swore up and down that the Hunter Biden laptop was part of a Russian disinformation campaign. These people swore an oath to defend the Constitution — they lied. And they knew they were lying.”
Despite his concerns, Bryant remains cautiously optimistic about future change.
“I’m hopeful these issues with the equal application of the law will change and will come about rapidly with President Trump entering office again,” he said.
Gary, another U.S. Navy veteran, offered a pragmatic perspective on the pardon: “I’m glad Biden pardoned him — now Hunter can’t take the 5th Amendment anymore,” he remarked, suggesting that the decision might eventually force greater transparency.
Yet, he tempered this optimism with skepticism.
“It’s [the truth is] buried too deep in the political swamp in Washington, D.C.,” he added. “I don’t think Americans are ever going to find out the truth.”
Gary also discussed the legal scope of presidential pardons, including their application to serious crimes: “Presidential pardons cover federal offenses, even treason,” he noted.
The reactions from Mesa County residents illustrate the complexities of the Hunter Biden pardon. While some see potential for greater accountability, others view it as a stark example of political privilege and a justice system that favors the elite.
For Mesa County, the debate over Hunter Biden’s pardon isn’t just about one man or one decision — it’s a reflection of deeper tensions over how American politicians wield power within government institutions.