Hunter Biden Pardon, Trump's FBI Pick, Syrian Offensive

Summary

Up First from NPR – December 2, 2024

Hosts: Michelle Martin and Dave Martinez

---

1. President Biden Pardons Hunter Biden

Overview: In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, approximately seven weeks before the end of his term. This decision marks a reversal from his earlier stance where he had vowed not to pardon his son.

Key Details:

• Scope of the Pardon: The pardon encompasses all offenses Hunter Biden may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This includes two specific cases:

  • Federal Background Check Violation: Hunter was convicted of lying about his crack cocaine addiction on a federal background check form when purchasing a gun in 2018.
  • Tax Evasion: He pleaded guilty to failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.

  Ryan Lucas, NPR Justice Correspondent, explains:

  "Hunter could have faced prison time, but now, of course, he has been pardoned."
  (03:11)

• President Biden's Rationale: In a White House statement, President Biden articulated that he initially promised not to interfere with the Justice Department. However, he contended that Hunter was "selectively and unfairly prosecuted" due to political motivations from Republicans aiming to harm his presidency. Biden expressed belief in the justice system but asserted that "raw politics infected the process" leading to a "miscarriage of justice."

  President Biden stated:

  "...he believes that what he calls raw politics infected the process in this instance and led to what he called a miscarriage of justice."
  (04:11)

• Hunter Biden's Response: Hunter acknowledged his past mistakes related to addiction and expressed gratitude for the pardon, committing to dedicate his life to helping others battling similar struggles.

  Hunter Biden said:

  "He says that he has been sober now for more than five years... he will devote the life that he has now... to help those who are still sick and still suffering now."
  (05:10)

• President-Elect Donald Trump's Reaction: Trump criticized the pardon, questioning its inclusivity regarding individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, referring to them as "hostages." He hinted at his intention to pardon these individuals, drawing parallels to his own past pardons of political allies.

  Trump questioned:

  "Whether the pardon includes what he calls January 6th hostages."
  (05:53)

Implications: This pardon not only sparks discussions about presidential authority and nepotism but also raises questions about the politicization of the justice system. The move is likely to inflame partisan tensions and could influence public perception of both the Biden administration and the forthcoming Trump administration.

---

2. Trump's Nomination of Cash Patel for FBI Director

Overview: President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Cash Patel, a staunch Trump ally, as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This nomination is part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape federal law enforcement agencies.

Key Details:

• Cash Patel’s Vision: Patel is known for his vehement criticism of the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ). He has openly stated plans to dismantle the FBI from within.

  Cash Patel declared:

  "I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopening the next day as a museum of the deep state."
  (08:16)

• Background and Qualifications: Although Patel has experience as a public defender and a federal prosecutor, his qualifications have been questioned. His outspoken loyalty to Trump and controversial statements, including rejecting the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, have made him a polarizing figure.

  Kerry Johnson, NPR Justice Correspondent, notes:

  "Patel's been clear about wanting to clean house inside the DOJ and the FBI top ranks."
  (07:18)

• Senate Confirmation Challenges: The Senate, particularly Republican senators like Chuck Grassley, has expressed reservations. Grassley emphasized the need for transparency and reform before supporting Patel's nomination.

  Senator Chuck Grassley commented:

  "Patel needs to prove to the Senate he's ready to reform the agency and restore public trust."
  (09:37)

• Political Repercussions: Democrats have criticized the nomination as an attempt to politicize the DOJ and FBI. Referencing Trump's previous pardons of allies and associates, there's skepticism about whether Patel can garner bipartisan support.

Implications: Patel's nomination, if approved, could signify a significant shift in the FBI's direction, potentially undermining its independence. However, substantial opposition in the Senate may impede his confirmation, maintaining the current leadership under Chris Wray.

---

3. Rebel Offensive in Syria Reignites Civil War

Overview: A renewed and large-scale rebel offensive in Syria has disrupted the long-standing stalemate of the country's civil war. Rebel militias successfully captured significant territories, including the city of Aleppo, prompting a fierce response from President Bashar al Assad's regime.

Key Details:

• Rebel Gains: Over a span of approximately 72 hours, opposition militias captured Aleppo and surrounding villages, advancing southward towards the central city of Hama. The rapid success of the offensive even surprised some rebel factions.

  Rebel General Ahmed Homsi stated:

  "They broke through the regime's first line of defense, then the second line and then the third."
  (11:11)

• Assad's Response: President Assad has vowed to "crush the rebels" and has mobilized support from Iranian-backed militias. Russian intervention has intensified with increased airstrikes targeting rebel-held areas.

  Ruth Sherlock reports:

  "Assad has vowed to, quote, crush the rebels who seized much of the country's second most populous city, Aleppo."
  (10:45)

• Composition of Rebel Forces: The rebel groups comprise various factions, including the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has connections to al Qaeda. Despite attempts to rebrand, HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by the US and Russia.

  Ruth Sherlock explains:

  "HTS has really tried to rebrand itself as a less hardline group, though it is still religiously conservative."
  (12:24)

• Humanitarian Impact: The offensive has exacerbated fears among different religious and ethnic groups within Syria. Reports indicate potential sectarian violence and mass displacements as civilians flee conflict zones.

• Reasons for Renewed Fighting: The offensive is partly attributed to Russia's stretched resources due to the conflict in Ukraine and increased Israeli airstrikes on Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah, leaving Assad's regime more vulnerable.

  Ruth Sherlock notes:

  "Assad's key ally, Russia, is especially stretched in Ukraine... Damascus, therefore, is more exposed than it has been for many, many years."
  (13:50)

Implications: This resurgence of conflict threatens to destabilize the already fragile region further. The shifting dynamics, influenced by international pressures and regional alliances, could lead to prolonged violence and humanitarian crises, complicating any prospects for peace.

---

Conclusion

Today's episode of "Up First" delved into significant national and international developments. From President Biden's controversial pardon of his son to Trump's potentially transformative but contentious nomination for FBI Director, and the rekindled chaos in Syria's civil war, listeners are presented with a comprehensive analysis of events shaping the current geopolitical and domestic landscape.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Cash Patel:

  "I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopening the next day as a museum of the deep state."
  (08:16)

• President Biden:

  "...raw politics infected the process in this instance and led to what he called a miscarriage of justice."
  (04:11)

• Senator Chuck Grassley:

  "Patel needs to prove to the Senate he's ready to reform the agency and restore public trust."
  (09:37)

• Rebel General Ahmed Homsi:

  "They broke through the regime's first line of defense, then the second line and then the third."
  (11:11)

---

For More Information:

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Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

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[Michelle Martin]

Your tax deductible donation not only unlocks sponsor free listening to every episode of up first, but it also gives you perks and even some bonus episodes for more than 25 NPR podcasts. Join us today at plus.npr.org that's plus.npr.org that link is in our episode notes. All right, onto the show.

[Dave Martinez]

President Biden has pardoned his son Hunter, something he previously said he would not do.

[President Biden]

I said I abide by the jury decision and I will do that and I will not pardon him.

[Michelle Martin]

All right. So what changed his mind?

[Dave Martinez]

I'm Michelle Martin. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News. Trump plans to replace the director of the FBI with a staunch ally, one who says he wants to destroy the agency from within.

[Cash Patel]

I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopening the next day as a museum of the deep state. And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and and send them across America to chase down criminals.

[Dave Martinez]

Can Cash Patel make it through the Senate confirmation process?

[Michelle Martin]

And a rebel offensive in Syria reignites the country's long running civil war. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need.

[Ron Rutzen]

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[HubSpot Representative]

This message comes from HubSpot. Growing a business means a lot of audience, attracting, lead scoring and long days. But with HubSpot, it's easier than ever for marketers to remix content, boost leads and score customers fast. Learn [e-mail] marketers President Biden has pardoned.

[Michelle Martin]

His son, Hunter Biden.

[Dave Martinez]

The president issued the full and unconditional pardon seven weeks before he leaves and after the president previously said he would not do this.

[Michelle Martin]

For more, we're joined now by NPR justice correspondent Ryan Lucas. So, Ryan, what does this pardon cover?

[Ryan Lucas]

So this is, as was said at the top, it's a full and unconditional pardon for offenses Hunter Biden has committed or may have committed from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. So yesterday, specifically, that includes the two cases brought against Hunter Biden by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss. In one of those cases, a jury in Delaware convicted Hunter of lying on a federal background check form about his addiction to crack cocaine when he bought a gun in 2018. And in the other, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. Sentencing in both of those cases was scheduled for later this month. He could have faced prison time, but now, of course, he has been pardoned.

[Michelle Martin]

So what's the explanation for this? What has President Biden said?

[Ryan Lucas]

So in a statement put out last night by the White House, President Biden did explain his thinking here. And what he said is that when he took office, he promised not to meddle or interfere with the Justice Department. And he says that he kept his word on that, even as his son, he says, was, quote, being selectively and unfairly prosecuted. President Biden says Hunter was charged only after Republicans in Congress, he says, instigated the prosecutions to try to hurt the president politically. And he says any reasonable person would look at the facts of these legal cases and conclude that Hunter wasn't fairly singled out. Now, President Biden said he believes in the justice system, but he also believes that what he calls raw politics infected the process in this instance and led to what he called a miscarriage of justice. So he made this decision to pardon his son, and Biden ended by saying that he hopes that Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision.

[Michelle Martin]

Any word from Hunter Biden about this?

[Ryan Lucas]

Yeah, he put out a statement last night, too, in which he says that he has admitted and taken responsibility for mistakes that he made when he was struggling with addiction. He says that those mistakes have been used to publicly humiliate him, to publicly humiliate his family, he says, for political sport. But he says that he has been sober now for more than five years, despite those challenges. And he said he will not take this clemency here for granted. He said he'll devote the life that he has now, the one that he has rebuilt since his recovery from addiction, to help those who are still sick and still suffering now.

[Michelle Martin]

President elect Donald Trump has criticized Hunter Biden over his business dealings and also his personal dealings and his legal trouble. So how has President elect Trump responded to this pardon?

[Ryan Lucas]

Well, certainly not positively. President Elect Trump put out a short post on social media in which he asked whether the pardon includes what he calls January 6th hostages. That's what he calls his supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. More than 1,200 have either pled guilty or been convicted at federal trial in connection with that attack. Trump has vowed to pardon them. It's also worth pointing out that Trump himself faced criticism for pardons that he doled out to several political allies and friends in his first term. That includes his one time campaign manager, Paul Manafort, Republican operative Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, and Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, Trump's son in law, Charles Kushner. By the way, Trump has selected to be the next ambassador to France in the president elect's incoming administration.

[Michelle Martin]

That's NPR justice correspondent Ryan Lucas. Ryan, thanks.

[Ryan Lucas]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

President elect Trump says he'll nominate ally Cash Patel to serve as the next director of the FBI.

[Dave Martinez]

That's setting up a move to replace the current director, Chris Wray, whom Trump appointed during his first term in office. FBI director served for 10 years and Wray has two years left on his his term. Patel has been a fierce critic of the country's top law enforcement agency and has been vocal about his plans to change it.

[Michelle Martin]

We're joined now by NPR justice correspondent Kerry Johnson. So, Kerry, tell us more about Cash Patel. What are his qualifications for this job?

[Ron Rutzen]

Patel worked as a public defender and as a federal prosecutor for a while, but he's really best known for his unyielding loyalty to Donald Trump. And he's been controversial even among some Trump supporters. Patel's falsely said Trump won the 2020 election. He's helped raise doubts about the investigation, Russian election interference in 2016. And for a time he served as an aide in the Pentagon during Trump's first term. But when Trump first proposed the idea of installing Patel at the FBI back in those days, then Attorney General Bill Barr said it would be over his dead body because Patel did not have the qualifications for a job that important and that sensitive.

[Michelle Martin]

And Patel has not been shy about being vocal about what he sees are problems with the Justice Department and the FBI. So what's he been saying about those institutions?

[Ron Rutzen]

Patel's been clear about wanting to clean house inside the DOJ and the FBI top ranks. Here's what he had to say earlier this year on the podcast the Sean Ryan Show.

[Cash Patel]

I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopening the next day as a museum of the deep state. And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals.

[Ron Rutzen]

Patel says he wants to shrink the government and do the same thing at the doj. He's also said he's ready to use law enforcement power to go after people who oppose Trump with prosecutors, prosecutions and civil lawsuits. And that could include members of Congress, people who prosecuted Donald Trump and reporters.

[Michelle Martin]

Now, FBI director is a 10 year job. There's already someone at that job, Kerry. So what might happen to this person?

[Ron Rutzen]

That's right. Trump chose Chris Wray, a Republican and a member of the conservative Federalist Society, after Trump fired Jim Comey in 2017. It's been rare to fire an FBI director with time left on his term, but it has happened before, and now it's not clear whether Wray would stick around to be fired in January or whether he might resign first. Over the weekend, the FBI said Chris Wray, the director, is focused on the FBI workforce and on protecting the American people from threats. Now, a couple of weeks ago, Wray attended an event for FBI agents where he got a lot of praise for leading the bureau through a political storm and for focusing on the facts.

[Michelle Martin]

Now becoming FBI director requires approval from the Senate. So what's the reaction been so far from lawmakers?

[Ron Rutzen]

Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican in line to lead the Judiciary Committee next year, did not explicitly offer support for or against Patel. Grassley said on X he wants to see more transparency from the FBI, and he says Patel needs to prove to the Senate he's ready to reform the agency and restore public trust. But other lawmakers did not sound so sure. Republican senators are going to have the power to sink this choice, just as they did recently with the idea of putting Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz in charge of the Justice Department. And for their part, Democrats on Capitol Hill say Trump is following through on his campaign threat to try to turn the Justice Department into a political operation bent on revenge. Even if Cash Patel does not make it through the process to become the FBI director, this choice signals the DOJ and the FBI are in for a very rough ride next year.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Kerry Johnson. Kerry, thanks.

[Ron Rutzen]

My pleasure.

[Michelle Martin]

Rebel militias made territorial gains in Syria over the weekend.

[Dave Martinez]

In response, Syrian President Bashar al Assad has vowed to, quote, crush the rebels who seized much of the country's second most populous city, Aleppo. The country's brutal 13 year civil war has long been at a stalemate, and this renewed fighting poses the biggest challenge to the ruling regime in years.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock joins us now. So, Ruth, what happened? Catch us up on this.

[Ruth Sherlock]

Good morning. Yeah. Well, the rebels launched this surprise offensive and made sudden massive gains. You know, the war in Syria, it's been stalemated for many years. But then in just about 72 hours, opposition militias seized the huge city of Aleppo and a string of villages around there. And then they pressed even further south, racing down towards the central city of Hama. Rebel General Ahmed Homsi talked to me about how quickly this all happen. He's saying they broke through the regime's first line of defense, then the second line and then the third. Even the rebels seemed shocked by their successes. And there was this brief moment where people thought they might be able to carry on towards the capital, Damascus. But then by Sunday, the offensive had slowed. The government says it's taken back some territory in central Syria. And there's also videos now that seem to show convoys of militias backed by the regime's ally, Iran, coming down from Iraq into Syria to help President Assad. The regime's other ally, Russia, has stepped up airstrikes on rebel held areas. But for now, rebels still hold most of Aleppo city and large swathes of more territory.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, so tell us who these rebels are.

[Ruth Sherlock]

Well, it's an umbrella group, some of whom are backed by Turkey. The biggest in this group is an Islamist militia. It's called Hayat Tahrir al Sham or hts. And it has some members who have had links to al Qaeda. And for this reason, the US And Russia have designated them a terror organization. But HTS has really tried to rebrand itself as a less hardline group, though it is still religiously conservative. And, you know, there are some, many in Syria who would welcome a rebel takeover because Syria is run by a brutal dictatorship but this is also a country with lots of different religious sects and there are some people who are terrified to see these gains that these Islamist factions are making. We managed to reach one woman in the government held city of Hama and she from the minority Alawite sect. That's the same as the Assad families and she was too afraid to give her name. She says she's standing on her balcony watching people streaming out of their homes to their cars, packing and preparing to escape as they hear the news of the rebel advance towards them. There have been sectarian massacres committed by regime militias and opposition forces in this war. Rebels here are trying to show their accepting of different groups in Aleppo, in the Christian neighborhood. This weekend, when some fighters knocked down a Christmas tree on the street, the militia made a point of putting it back up and filming itself doing it.

[Michelle Martin]

Now why is all this happening now?

[Ruth Sherlock]

Well, one reason is that Assad's key ally, Russia, is especially stretched in Ukraine. And then there's also been intense Israeli airstrikes on the regime's other ally, the Iran backed militant group Hezbollah. So neither has been able to protect the regime as it has in the past in this war. And Damascus, therefore, is more exposed than it has been for many, many years.

[Michelle Martin]

It's NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock. Ruth, thank you.

[Ruth Sherlock]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up first for Monday, December 2nd. I'm Ian Martinez.

[Dave Martinez]

And I'm Michelle Martin. And don't forget, please take our audience survey. This will help us make this podcast better and it will give you a chance to tell us more about what you like or don't like. Go to npr.org Up first survey.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of Up first was edited by Dana Farrington, James Heider, Lisa Thompson and Alice Wolfley, was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas, Katie Klein. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.

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[Ron Rutzen]

This message comes from Jackson. Seek clarity in retirement [e-mail] Jackson is short for Jackson Financial, Inc. Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Lansing, Michigan and Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, Purchase, New York.