Devon Archer’s Journey from Biden Associate to Trump Pardonee
In a remarkable turn of events, Devon Archer—a former business partner of Hunter Biden—has transitioned from a Biden ally to a supporter of Donald Trump, culminating in a full pardon from the former president. This transformation appears to be intertwined with Archer’s legal challenges, including a conviction related to a scheme that defrauded investors out of millions.
In the months leading up to the contentious 2020 presidential election, Archer was reportedly contemplating speaking out against the Biden family. According to various sources close to Archer, he engaged in phone conversations with influential Trump allies, who suggested that Archer’s cooperation might lead to leniency regarding his own legal troubles. They hinted that if he provided damaging information about Hunter Biden—who is the son of now-President Joe Biden—the Trump administration could potentially dismiss any fraud charges against him. However, uncertain of the validity of such assurances, Archer chose to keep his silence at that time, expressing hope for a possible pardon if Biden were to win the presidency.
Following Joe Biden’s inauguration, Archer’s relationship with the Biden family reportedly soured. He found himself increasingly marginalized, thus accelerating his shift towards Trump and his allies. In the ensuing years, Archer maintained his innocence regarding his convictions while navigating the complexities of the legal system. As he did so, he quietly gained favor with Trump and collaborated with investigations probing into Hunter Biden’s international business dealings, providing information to prosecutors and journalists alike.
Archer’s fate took a significant turn recently when Trump granted him a full and unconditional pardon. The pardon effectively erased Archer’s conviction stemming from his involvement in a fraudulent scheme to defraud investors and a Native American tribal entity of tens of millions of dollars. Expressing gratitude for the pardon, Archer stated, “I’m full MAGA now. They’re more my people,” emphasizing his newfound loyalty to Trump.
This latest development underscores Trump’s strategic use of executive clemency, which he leverages as a political instrument. The pardon has not only bolstered Archer’s standing in Trump’s circle but has also highlighted the increasingly blurred lines between political negotiations and the justice system. Archer’s case serves as a poignant example of the evolving dynamics within American politics, where partnerships can shift dramatically based on mutual interests and opportunities.
For Archer and his family, the pardon represents a lifeline. It spared him from serving a one-year-and-one-day prison sentence and liberated him from nearly $60 million in financial penalties related to his conviction. Archer’s path to redemption, however, bypassed the traditional pardon application process, which typically emphasizes apolitical criteria such as evidence of rehabilitation and completed sentences.
Archer’s connections to Hunter Biden had once seemed promising. The two initially met through mutual ties to John Kerry’s campaign during the 2004 presidential election. With Archer’s background in international finance and fundraising, he and Hunter Biden ventured into business together. This partnership led to their roles on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings in 2014—a move that raised eyebrows within the Obama administration as it coincided with Joe Biden’s efforts to combat corruption in Ukraine.
Their partnership began to disintegrate following Archer’s indictment in 2016. Although Hunter Biden was never charged in connection with Archer’s case, it had significant ramifications for both men. Archer cited being misled by a partner identified as the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme and attempted to disassociate from Hunter during his legal battles.
After years of legal turmoil, Archer’s shift in allegiance was solidified when he provided testimony in a Republican-led congressional investigation into Hunter Biden, painting a complex picture of the relationship between Hunter and their foreign business associates. This testimony earned him newfound support in Trump-aligned circles, where he further elaborated on his views surrounding the Biden family’s business dealings.
In a calculated effort to secure a pardon, Archer submitted an application that appealed to Trump’s sentiments, emphasizing his status as a victim of fraud while providing glowing testimonials from prominent Trump allies. The application was subsequently well-received, leading to Archer’s eventual pardon.
With the pardon secured, Archer has hinted at future aspirations, including a desire to serve in Trump’s administration or contribute to his political endeavors. In the meantime, he is reportedly engaged in projects that include writing a book and producing a documentary about his experiences. This evolving narrative not only reflects the personal transformations within Archer’s life but also serves as a broader commentary on the intricate interconnections between politics, personal convictions, and the judicial system in contemporary America.