Largest Single-Day Act: Biden Grants Clemency To 1,500, Pardons 39

File Image of US President Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden has granted presidential pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others, marking the largest single-day use of presidential clemency in U.S. history, according to the White House. The names of the individuals involved have not been disclosed.

Under the U.S. Constitution, presidents have broad authority to issue pardons and commutations, except in cases of impeachment.

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Announcing the clemency actions, Biden stated that those pardoned had demonstrated successful rehabilitation and a commitment to strengthening their communities.

Many of the pardons were related to non-violent drug offenses.

The commuted sentences primarily benefited individuals who had been placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic but were still facing lengthy prison terms that Biden deemed excessive.

“These individuals have shown that they deserve a second chance,” Biden said.

The White House highlighted a few cases among the recipients, including a decorated military veteran and pilot who supported fellow church members, a nurse who contributed to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and an addiction counsellor who has worked to help others.

This move follows Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, earlier in December, a decision that sparked controversy and criticism.

Hunter Biden had been facing sentencing in two criminal cases.

The president defended the pardon, asserting that the charges against his son were politically motivated, though the action continues a bipartisan tradition of U.S. presidents granting clemency to individuals close to them.

Biden has promised additional clemency measures in the coming weeks. The announcement underscores his broader effort to address criminal justice reform and grant relief to those he believes have been unfairly sentenced.