President Joe Biden issued 39 pardons and commuted nearly 1,500 sentences on Thursday, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. The move affects Americans convicted of non-violent crimes, with the White House citing rehabilitation and contributions to community safety as reasons for the clemency.
Biden’s announcement comes as his presidency nears its conclusion. Those receiving pardons were convicted of non-violent offenses, including drug-related crimes. The mass commutations primarily benefit individuals who were placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and were serving what Biden deemed excessively long sentences.
“These individuals have demonstrated that they deserve a second chance,” Biden said, emphasizing their successful reintegration into society. However, the administration has not disclosed the identities of those granted clemency.
The clemency follows Biden’s earlier controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing in two criminal cases. Despite years of assurances that no such pardon would occur, Biden extended leniency to his son earlier this month, sparking criticism from political opponents.
Biden indicated that further clemency actions are under review and will likely be announced before his term ends. His latest actions surpass the previous record for single-day clemency set by President Barack Obama, who commuted 330 sentences in 2017.
The U.S. Constitution grants presidents broad clemency powers, enabling reprieves and pardons for federal offenses, excluding cases of impeachment. Biden’s unprecedented use of this power underscores his administration’s focus on addressing criminal justice reforms and leniency for non-violent offenders.
While advocates for justice reform have praised the move, critics point to a lack of transparency regarding the names and specific cases involved. Further announcements are expected as the administration continues its clemency review process.
