Biden pardons 39 individuals, grants clemency to nearly 1,500 others
President Joe Biden today granted clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans, marking the most substantial single-day action in U.S. history.
These actions, according to the White House, are aimed at supporting rehabilitation and promoting justice, include commutations for individuals on home confinement and pardons for those convicted of non-violent crimes.
The President commuted the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CARES Act.
These individuals have demonstrated successful reintegration into their communities by maintaining employment, advancing their education, and upholding commitments to their families.
“Today, President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans – the most ever in a single day – who have shown successful rehabilitation and a strong commitment to making their communities safer. The President is commuting the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities,” White House said in a statement.
“He is also pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes. These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history”
Additionally, Biden issued pardons to 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes, such as drug-related offenses.
Among those pardoned are a decorated military veteran assisting his church community, a nurse who led emergency responses during disasters, and an addiction counselor helping at-risk youth, the White House said.
The announcement came two weeks after Biden issued a pardon for his son, Hunter, who had been convicted of gun possession and income tax evasion. That decision was harshly criticized by both Republicans and Democrats because Biden had long ruled out clemency for his son.
The White House said that the 39 individuals receiving pardons today were convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, and have turned their lives around. These individuals are parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates, and engaged members of their communities.
President Biden has granted more clemency actions at this point in his presidency than any recent predecessor.
His administration is also notable for pioneering categorical pardons, including groundbreaking measures for marijuana possession offenses and convictions related to sexual orientation among former LGBTQI+ service members.
In October 2022, the President issued a blanket pardon for simple possession of marijuana.
This action was later expanded in December 2023 to cover attempted possession and related offenses.
In June 2024, Biden extended categorical clemency to military personnel convicted of consensual conduct based on their sexual orientation under outdated policies.
The Biden-Harris administration has taken consistent steps toward clemency reform. Key moments include:
These efforts have provided opportunities for individuals to overcome the barriers of federal convictions, which often restrict access to housing, employment, and education.
President Biden’s categorical clemency has influenced state and local governments.
Over ten jurisdictions, including Maryland and Massachusetts, have issued similar clemency measures, expunging records and aiding individuals in moving past their convictions.
While today’s sweeping clemency announcement is unprecedented, it comes under the shadow of recent controversy surrounding the President’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.
The timing of today’s announcement could be seen as an attempt to shift focus from the backlash over Hunter Biden’s pardon, raising concerns about consistency and fairness in the application of presidential clemency powers.
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