Hunter Biden pardon draws outcry from Democratic governor

Driving the news: The presidential pardon drew an immediate outcry from President-elect Trump and fellow Republicans, but Polis's statement stood out.

• The governor wrote Sunday on X that he understands Biden's "natural desire to help his son" but is "disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country."

What he's saying: "This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation," Polis wrote in the statement.

• "Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a president and not a president's son."

Between the lines: Polis' language echoes a statement from Trump, who called Biden's move an abuse of justice and drew over 3 million views on X as of midday Monday.

The intrigue: Colorado's U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, later joined Polis in condemning Biden's pardon, saying it puts "personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans' faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all."

Flashback: Polis cheered Trump's pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary back in November, despite an uproar from Democrats and public health experts.