- Biden Pardons 39, Commutes 1,500 Sentences
- Non-Violent Offenses Included
- Biden's Final Acts as President
US President Joe Biden has made history by issuing presidential pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others, the most acts of presidential clemency in a single day. The White House has not disclosed the names of those involved.
According to the US Constitution, the President has the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. This move comes after Biden issued a pardon to his son Hunter earlier this month, sparking controversy and continuing a trend of presidents pardoning people close to them.
Biden stated that those pardoned had “shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer”. Their non-violent convictions included drug offenses. The commuted sentences were for individuals who were placed in home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic and were facing sentences deemed too long under outdated laws. Biden believes they “have shown that they deserve a second chance”.
The White House revealed that those receiving relief include a decorated military veteran and pilot, a nurse who helped with the Covid vaccine rollout, and an addiction counselor. Biden promised “more steps in the weeks ahead”.
As Biden prepares to leave the White House on January 20, 2025, when his successor Donald Trump is inaugurated, his record on pardons has been notable. Previously, he had pardoned fewer people than most presidents in modern US history. However, he has issued categorical pardons in the past, including a full pardon for those convicted of simple possession of marijuana in October 2022, and another for military personnel and veterans convicted of offenses based on their sexual orientation earlier this year.
In comparison, Trump granted 237 acts of clemency during his first term, including 143 pardons and 94 commuted sentences. Biden’s decision to pardon his son has sparked controversy, with some criticizing the move as politically motivated. Additionally, Biden has considered issuing pre-emptive pardons for prominent critics of Trump, but has been concerned about setting a precedent.
