Biden Grants Historic 1,500 Commutations and 39 Pardons, but Fallout from Hunter Biden’s Controversial Clemency Looms Large
In an unprecedented act of clemency, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden announced nearly 1,500 commutations and 39 pardons on Thursday, marking the largest single-day act of mercy in U.S. history. This move comes weeks after Biden stirred bipartisan outrage by pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, despite a previous pledge not to intervene in his legal troubles.
Historic Clemency Move
The White House revealed that all 1,499 individuals granted commutations were serving home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden commended them for successfully reintegrating into their communities.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement.
The 39 pardons were reserved for non-violent offenders, including a decorated veteran, a nurse who led disaster response efforts, and an addiction counselor.
“These individuals have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, deserving a second chance,” Biden added.
Hunter Biden Pardon Sparks Backlash
The clemency announcement follows the controversial December 1 pardon of Hunter Biden, 54, who faced up to 42 years in prison for tax evasion and federal gun charges. Biden defended his son, claiming he was targeted due to his surname, calling the case a product of “raw politics.”
The move drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, with many accusing Biden of prioritizing family ties over justice.
Clemency Debate Intensifies
The president’s clemency spree aligns with a long-standing tradition of lame-duck presidents issuing last-minute pardons. As Biden prepares to hand over power to Republican President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, reports suggest he is considering blanket pardons for allies to preempt potential legal retaliation under Trump’s administration.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to confirm such plans, emphasizing Biden’s focus on reviewing clemency petitions.
Trump’s Promise of Pardons
Trump, meanwhile, has vowed to pardon individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. In a recent Time magazine interview, he declared his intent to issue these pardons within his first hour in office.
As Biden’s presidency winds down, the clemency debate underscores the enduring political tensions in Washington and the president’s attempt to define his legacy in the face of controversy.
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