President Joe Biden pardoned 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes and commuted 1,500 lengthy sentences. The White House announced this as the most presidential clemency act issued in a single day in US history.
According to Biden’s statement, the people pardoned were the ones who showed signs of getting better and helped to make their neighborhoods safer. The clemency act included those with drug-related charges and those who received unreasonably lengthy sentences under outdated laws.
Hundreds of people who were confined in house confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak had their sentences commuted by Biden. The White House highlighted notable recipients of the pardons, including an addiction counselor, a nurse assisting with vaccine rollouts, a military veteran, and a pilot.
Biden previously issued categorical pardons for marijuana-related offenses in 2022 and expanded them to include more cases. Despite this recent push, Biden has historically pardoned fewer individuals than many modern presidents.
The president’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, drew sharp criticism. He faced two criminal case sentences, which Joe Biden claimed were politically driven. Critics argued that this move showed a pattern of presidents granting clemency to close associates.
Biden is also reportedly considering preemptive pardons for critics of President-elect Donald Trump, aiming to protect them from retribution. However, Biden hesitates to set a precedent with such actions, which could influence future administrations.
Biden pardoned 39 Americans, and as the end of his term nears, his clemency decisions will likely shape his legacy. With Trump set to assume office in January 2025, clemency debates are expected to intensify.
