On December 12, President Joe Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others, making it the largest single-day clemency action in U.S. history.
According to the White House, the decision aimed to address sentencing disparities and provide relief to those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation.
The pardons were granted to individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses, particularly drug-related crimes.
Among those named were a nurse involved in COVID-19 vaccination efforts, an addiction counselor working with young people, and a military veteran assisting elderly community members. Commutations primarily applied to individuals placed on home confinement during the pandemic, with officials stating that many would have received shorter sentences under current policies.
The announcement, however, has drawn criticism due to its timing and other recent clemency decisions.
Notably, it comes just weeks after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faced charges for firearm possession and tax evasion. While the White House defends the move as a matter of fairness, critics argue it raises questions about double standards, particularly after Biden and his administration had publicly ruled out a pardon for Hunter.
Further controversy surrounds reports that Biden may issue pre-pardons to individuals potentially targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
The rarity of precedent for such actions has led individuals such as former President Bill Clinton to advise against them. These discussions are likely to fuel ongoing debates about fairness and accountability.
Biden’s clemency record already surpasses that of his predecessors.
Alongside this week’s actions, he has issued broad pardons for marijuana possession and former military members charged with consensual sodomy.
For comparison, former President Donald Trump granted clemency to hundreds, including prominent figures like Dinesh D’Souza, Paul Manafort, and Joe Arpaio, actions widely praised by conservatives for addressing overreach in the justice system.
The recent clemency decisions have drawn mixed reactions.
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) praised Biden’s actions, with Pressley urging him to go further before leaving office.
However, civil rights groups expressed frustration that individuals they consider unjustly incarcerated remain behind bars, calling for broader use of clemency powers.
The White House signaled that additional clemency actions could follow before Biden’s term ends on January 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has reaffirmed his plans to issue pardons, including for those involved in the January 6 Capitol breach, reinforcing his promise to address perceived political targeting.
As Biden concludes his term, these clemency actions are sure to draw further scrutiny, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about fairness in sentencing and the role of presidential pardons.