President Joe Biden has made history by commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and granting 39 pardons in a single day, the largest act of clemency in modern U.S. history.
The White House emphasized that the clemency actions primarily benefited individuals convicted of non-violent offenses, particularly those placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic who successfully reintegrated into society. Officials framed the move as part of Biden’s broader commitment to advancing equal justice, promoting public safety, and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
“President Biden has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors during their first terms,” a White House statement read.
The president hinted that additional clemency decisions might follow in the coming weeks. “I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” Biden said. “My administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.”
Thursday’s clemency announcement surpassed the previous single-day record held by former President Barack Obama. In fact, Biden’s action was five times larger, as noted by political commentator Brooke Singman.
Despite this milestone, the timing of Biden’s announcement coincides with ongoing controversy over his recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for felony gun and tax charges.
Earlier this month, Biden pardoned his son, reversing earlier promises not to intervene in Hunter’s legal matters. The move has sparked widespread criticism, including accusations of nepotism and misuse of presidential authority.
According to an Associated Press poll, only 20% of Americans supported the decision, highlighting bipartisan disapproval. Public figures across the political spectrum have also voiced concerns about Biden’s use of clemency powers for personal matters.
Hunter Biden faced two federal cases this year. In June, he was convicted on three felony gun charges for lying on a firearm purchase form by denying his drug use. In September, he pleaded guilty to federal tax charges for failing to report significant earnings.
Defending the pardon, President Biden claimed that his son was targeted solely because of their familial connection. “Hunter was singled out only because he is my son,” the president said. He argued that the legal actions were designed to “break Hunter” and, by extension, himself.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the Biden administration’s transparency and honesty. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced pointed questions from reporters about whether Biden misled the public regarding his intentions to pardon his son.
Jean-Pierre maintained that Biden has always prioritized being “truthful to the American people” but repeatedly referred back to the president’s official statement.
The backlash extended to the judiciary. A federal judge overseeing Hunter Biden’s case criticized the pardon, accusing the president of undermining the judicial process. The judge dismissed claims of political bias against the investigators and prosecutors involved in the case.
Biden’s historic clemency actions, which aim to address systemic issues within the justice system, are overshadowed by the fallout from Hunter Biden’s pardon.
The White House has portrayed these moves as efforts to promote justice and rehabilitation. However, critics argue that the administration’s handling of Hunter Biden’s case undermines the credibility of its broader justice agenda.
As Biden prepares for further clemency decisions, his administration faces growing pressure to address concerns about fairness, transparency, and the appropriate use of executive power. Whether these actions will ultimately enhance Biden’s legacy or deepen existing controversies remains to be seen.
