International
Biden pardons 1,500, largest single-day action in modern history

In a historic move, President Joe Biden announced on Thursday the commutation of sentences for nearly 1,500 individuals and the pardoning of 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes.
This sweeping act of clemency is being hailed as the largest single-day use of the presidential pardon power in modern history, coming just weeks before the end of Biden’s administration.
Biden, who has faced mounting calls to expand the use of clemency powers, issued the announcement alongside a promise for additional clemency actions in the weeks ahead. This follows a controversial decision earlier in the month to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden stated. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life, contribute to their communities, and address sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, particularly those convicted of drug offenses.”
The 1,500 individuals whose sentences were commuted had been placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were deemed to have demonstrated significant rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities. The 39 pardoned individuals had records of non-violent offenses and were recognized for their contributions to society.
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“They are individuals who have secured employment, advanced their education, served as caretakers for their families, and reintegrated into the tapestry of their communities,” said a senior administration official.
Examples of those pardoned include a decorated military veteran who dedicated himself to community service, a nurse who played a critical role during natural disasters and the COVID-19 vaccination drive, and an addiction counselor recognized for mentoring young men of color.
Advocacy groups, human rights activists, and Democratic lawmakers have welcomed the move but continue to urge Biden to take further steps before his term ends. These include addressing the federal death row population, as Biden has publicly opposed capital punishment.
Biden has previously granted clemency to military veterans convicted under outdated laws criminalizing gay sex and individuals convicted of marijuana possession.
Thursday’s announcement comes amid scrutiny of Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after earlier insisting he would not do so. The move sparked backlash, even from some Democrats, with Anita Dunn, a former senior adviser to the president, calling it “exceptionally poor timing.”
An administration official, however, insisted that the president’s decision regarding his son has not influenced his broader clemency strategy. “The President has shown his views on clemency, using it to make our country more equitable and just, and to repair past wrongdoings in the criminal justice system,” the official said.
With less than six weeks remaining in his term, Biden pledged further action, stating, “I will take more steps in the weeks ahead. 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.”
The White House Counsel’s Office, led by Ed Siskel, has been working closely with the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney to evaluate clemency petitions.
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