Biden on Thursday issued the largest one-day clemency in modern U.S. history, pardoning 39 individuals and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others in a sweeping move announced by the White House.
The early morning statement emphasized his commitment to second chances and hinted at additional clemency measures before his term ends on Jan. 20.
Biden’s commutations focused on individuals who had been placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and had successfully reintegrated into their families and communities for at least one year. The pardons went to 39 nonviolent offenders, including several convicted of drug-related crimes.
“These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history,” the White House noted.
The announcement comes just days after Biden issued a controversial pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, erasing his felony tax and gun convictions—a move widely criticized by the public, including some prominent Democrats. The clemency also coincides with discussions among Biden’s allies about potential preemptive pardons for Democratic officials or federal employees who could face prosecution under a future Trump administration.
Among those granted clemency Thursday were individuals with compelling stories of redemption, including:
- A decorated military veteran who now aids church members in poor health;
- A nurse who led emergency responses to natural disasters and vaccination efforts during the pandemic;
- An addiction counselor who dedicates his time to helping young people avoid destructive behaviors and gang involvement.
