Washington, December 12, 2024: US President Joe Biden has issued pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others. The White House called this the most acts of presidential clemency issued in a single day, though it has not disclosed the names of those affected.
Under the US Constitution, the president holds broad authority to grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses, excluding impeachment cases.
Earlier this month, Biden controversially pardoned his son Hunter, continuing a trend of presidents extending clemency to close family members. In announcing the clemency actions, Biden emphasized that those pardoned had “demonstrated successful rehabilitation” and had committed to making their communities “stronger and safer.” Their convictions primarily involved non-violent crimes, including drug offenses.
The commuted sentences benefitted hundreds of individuals who were placed under home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic and were facing lengthy sentences under outdated laws. Biden expressed that they had “earned a second chance.”
The White House detailed that among those receiving clemency were a decorated military veteran, a nurse who aided in the Covid vaccine rollout, and an addiction counselor.
Biden has promised additional steps in the coming weeks. His presidency will conclude on January 20, 2025, with the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump.
Notably, Biden’s record on clemency is relatively modest compared to recent presidents. While he has granted a few categorical pardons, such as those for individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession in 2022, his overall number of pardons has been fewer than those of many other modern presidents.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump issued 237 acts of clemency during his first term, including 143 pardons and 94 commuted sentences, many of which came in the final days of his presidency.
Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden, despite previously ruling it out, has sparked controversy. Hunter faced sentencing in two criminal cases, and Biden defended the pardon, claiming the charges were politically motivated.
Additionally, Biden has reportedly considered pre-emptive pardons for prominent critics of his successor, Donald Trump, to shield them from potential retribution, though he has expressed concerns about setting such a precedent.
