The White House said on Monday that President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter in part because of concern his political opponents would continue to persecute the younger Biden in the future, as a growing chorus of Democrats and Republicans criticized his decision.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is the latest high-profile Democrat to break with President Joe Biden over the president’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter.

President Joe Biden is ducking questions on his decision to break his word and pardon his son Hunter, ignoring calls for him to explain his reversal as he was making his first presidential trip to Angola.