Biden's Historic Day of Clemency: 39 Pardons and 1,500 Commutations

Biden's unprecedented day of clemency reflects his commitment to rehabilitation and justice, with significant focus on non-violent offenders.

In a landmark move that saw the most clemency actions issued in a single day, President Joe Biden announced the pardoning of 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others. The White House has not released the names of those granted clemency, but described the move as a testament to Biden's focus on rehabilitation and community well-being.

The US Constitution endows the president with the authority to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, with the exception of impeachment cases. This recent action comes on the heels of Biden’s controversial pardon of his son Hunter earlier this month, a decision that has stirred debate regarding the propensity of presidents to extend clemency to close associates.

Biden articulated that the pardoned individuals had shown "successful rehabilitation and have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their communities." The pardons predominantly pertain to non-violent offenses, including drug-related crimes. The commuted sentences were primarily for individuals who were confined at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and whose lengthy sentences he viewed as outdated and excessive.

Among those granted relief are a decorated military veteran who assisted local residents, a healthcare worker involved in the Covid vaccination efforts, and an addiction counselor aiding recovery journeys. Biden has assured that more actions will follow in the upcoming weeks.

As Biden's term approaches its conclusion on January 20, 2025, he mirrors a past pattern where outgoing presidents, like Trump, have made significant clemency moves. Trump granted 237 clemency acts in his tenure, a significant number coming just before his departure from the presidency.

Previously, Biden had been noted for issuing fewer pardons than his predecessors but expanded his clemency initiatives in recent months, including a full pardon for individuals charged with simple marijuana possession and offenses linked to sexual orientation.

Biden's contentious decision to pardon Hunter, who was facing serious legal consequences, reflects a longstanding trend among U.S. presidents of granting clemency to associates, a phenomenon that raises ethical questions about fairness and justice in the political landscape. The president has also considered preemptive pardons to shield critics of Trump but remains wary of the implications such actions would carry.