WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has issued a presidential pardon to Devon Archer, a former business associate of Hunter Biden, clearing his conviction in a fraud case involving over $60 million connected to a Native American tribe.
The decision has sparked attention due to Archer’s past ties with Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, and Archer’s recent testimony in a Republican-led investigation into the Biden family’s business dealings.
Archer’s Conviction: Fraud Against Native American Tribe
Devon Archer had been found guilty of conspiring in a fraudulent bond scheme involving the Wakpamni Lake Community Corp., a Native American tribal entity. According to federal prosecutors, Archer and others tricked investors into buying worthless tribal bonds through false claims and misrepresentations.
The money raised through the scheme was then misused instead of benefiting the tribe, as promised. Archer was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison, ordered to forfeit $15.7 million, and pay restitution of $43.4 million.
Trump: “He Was Treated Unfairly”
While signing the pardon at the White House, Trump held up the paperwork and said:
“They think he was treated very unfairly… He was a victim of a crime, as far as I’m concerned. So we’re going to undo that. Congratulations, Devon.”
Trump said he had received feedback from many people, including advisers, who believed Archer’s conviction was politically motivated, especially since he had become a key witness in a congressional investigation related to the Bidens.
Archer’s Testimony in Biden Business Probe
In July 2023, Archer testified before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee as part of a GOP-led investigation. He said Hunter Biden had often involved his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, in meetings or phone calls with business contacts to demonstrate access to political influence.
However, Archer clarified that these conversations were casual—usually about things like the weather or geography, and not about business deals directly.
Despite this, Republican lawmakers have cited Archer’s testimony as part of their broader concerns over the Biden family’s business relationships.
Archer: Not the Mastermind, According to His Statement
Archer has maintained that the fraud case was complex and that the true leader behind the scam was Jason Galanis, who pleaded guilty and admitted being the “mastermind of the conspiracy and a serial fraudster.”
Hunter and Joe Biden Not Involved in Fraud Case
Although Hunter Biden was a business associate of Archer, he was not charged in this fraud case. Both Joe Biden and Hunter Biden have denied any wrongdoing or financial benefit from these business partnerships.
Prosecutors who filed separate tax and gun-related charges against Hunter Biden stated there was no evidence he influenced federal policy through his business dealings. President Joe Biden also pardoned his son before leaving office.