US President Joe Biden granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals and issued pardons to 39 people convicted of non-violent offenses on Thursday. This action, touted as the largest single-day use of presidential clemency in modern history, comes just weeks before Biden concludes his term in the White House.
Taking to X (Formerly Twitter) President Biden wrote, “Today, I’m pardoning 39 people with non-violent crimes who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and I’m commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others – many of whom would have received lower sentences today.”
Today, I’m pardoning 39 people with non-violent crimes who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and I’m commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others – many of whom would have received lower sentences today.
America was built on second chances. That’s what these… pic.twitter.com/OigPcN8qkJ
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 12, 2024
According to a statement from the White House, the individuals granted clemency had been placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since demonstrated successful rehabilitation. The pardoned individuals, who were convicted of non-violent offenses, were recognized for their efforts to reintegrate into society, with many making significant contributions as parents, veterans, healthcare professionals, teachers, and community advocates.
Biden emphasized the value of second chances, stating, “The United States is a nation of second chances,” and highlighting how clemency can address past injustices and promote equal justice under the law.
The decision follows controversy over Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, which drew criticism even from some of his political allies. However, the White House maintained that this broader clemency effort reflects Biden’s commitment to meaningful reform within the justice system and is unrelated to the Hunter Biden case.
The statement also confirmed that this is just the beginning of Biden’s clemency efforts, with additional actions expected in the coming weeks. “In the coming weeks, the President will take additional steps to provide meaningful second chances and continue to review additional pardons and commutations,” it said.
