Biden grants 1,500 presidential pardons, a record for a single day

On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden granted presidential pardons to 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others, in what the White House described as the largest number of presidential acts of clemency issued in a single day.

In announcing the measure, Biden emphasized that those pardoned, including his son Hunter Biden, "have demonstrated successful rehabilitation and a commitment to making their communities stronger and safer."

According to the White House, the beneficiaries of the pardon had committed "non-violent" or drug-related offenses. Although specific crimes were not detailed, it was noted that several of those pardoned had already been released from prison and were now community leaders, veterans, or advocates for social causes.

Among them, the case of a Virginia resident stood out. He was convicted of a drug offense at the age of 21, but later earned a college degree, enjoyed a successful career in the U.S. Army and Air Force, and dedicated himself to supporting charitable organizations for veterans.

Of the 1,499 people whose sentences were commuted, many were under house arrest due to the COVID-19 pandemic or serving sentences deemed excessive under outdated laws. "They have shown that they deserve a second chance," Biden stated.

This historic action follows President Biden's recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who faced charges of tax offenses and illegal possession of firearms.

The measure generated controversy, as the president had previously dismissed this possibility, although he argued that the cases against his son were politically motivated.

Biden has also considered issuing preemptive pardons for prominent critics of his successor, Donald Trump, to protect them from potential retaliation, although he is concerned about the precedent this could set.

Biden's record of clemency has been more limited than that of other modern presidents, although he has issued categorical pardons in the past. In 2022, he pardoned individuals convicted of simple possession of marijuana, and this year he expanded that measure to include other offenses related to the substance. He also granted pardons to military personnel and veterans convicted due to their sexual orientation.

In comparison, Trump granted 237 acts of clemency during his first term, including 143 pardons and 94 commutations. Recently, the former president pledged to pardon non-violent participants in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Amid these decisions, a former FBI informant, Alexander Smirnov, confessed to having fabricated corruption allegations against Biden and his son related to the Ukrainian company Burisma, fueling investigations led by Republican lawmakers.

With less than two months in office, Biden promises to continue taking steps to address inequalities in the criminal justice system, leaving a legacy that strengthens opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Biden's Presidential Pardons