Biden grants clemency for nearly 1,500 people, the biggest single-day act of clemency in modern history
3 min read
President Joe Biden announced on Thursday a historic clemency decision, commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoning 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes. This is being hailed as the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history, taking place just weeks before the end of Biden’s presidency. The move reflects Biden’s broader use of his presidential clemency powers amid increasing pressure to take action before his term concludes. He also committed to taking additional clemency actions in the upcoming weeks.
Biden emphasized the importance of second chances, noting that America was built on the promise of possibility. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation,” Biden said in a statement. “This restores opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and takes steps to address sentencing disparities, especially for non-violent offenders, such as those convicted of drug offenses.”
The nearly 1,500 individuals whose sentences are being commuted were previously placed on home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic. These individuals were considered to have shown a strong commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The 39 people being pardoned were convicted of non-violent crimes but have demonstrated significant efforts to turn their lives around, including gaining employment, advancing their education, and taking care of their families. An administration official described these individuals as resilient, having overcome significant life challenges and now contributing positively to their communities.
While the full list of clemency recipients has not been released, several examples of those pardoned were shared. These include a decorated military veteran who dedicated much of his time to helping the sick and elderly, a nurse who assisted during natural disasters and led vaccination efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, and an addiction counselor committed to mentoring young men of color. The announcement was expected to be celebrated by human rights advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and the families of those receiving clemency.
Calls for Biden to use his clemency power more extensively before the end of his term have intensified in recent months. These include requests to remove individuals from federal death row, particularly as Biden has publicly opposed capital punishment. Biden has previously issued pardons to military veterans convicted of engaging in gay sex, which was once a crime under military law, and to those convicted of marijuana possession.
Thursday’s announcement followed Biden’s controversial decision to grant a full, unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, after months of stating that he would not do so. The pardon stirred backlash from both political allies and critics, with some questioning Biden’s reversal. Anita Dunn, a former senior adviser to Biden, called the timing of the decision “exceptionally poor.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his son’s pardon, White House officials maintained that the decision did not impact Biden’s overall approach to clemency. “The President has shown his views on clemency and how he can use the clemency power to make our country more equitable, more just, and to repair past wrongs in the criminal justice system,” an administration official said. Biden’s approach to clemency, they emphasized, remains focused on promoting fairness and justice.
With just weeks remaining in his presidency, Biden is expected to continue granting clemency. “I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” Biden stated. “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.”
Biden has been consulting with White House Counsel Ed Siskel and the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney on potential clemency options. As he wraps up his term, the President is expected to take further steps to address issues within the criminal justice system and provide relief to those seeking a second chance.
About The Author
