Outgoing President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden stated in his announcement. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.”
The White House noted that this extensive clemency action comes as Biden approaches the end of his term. Presidential clemency is applicable only to federal crimes, and historically, outgoing presidents often issue a series of such actions in their final days in office.
The nearly 1,500 individuals who received commuted sentences had been serving time at home for a minimum of one year. “These commutation recipients, who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance,” Biden added.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which had advocated for clemency, praised the president’s decision. “We are thrilled that President Biden has allowed people to remain with their families and communities, where they belong,” stated Cynthia W. Roseberry, director of policy and government affairs at the ACLU’s Justice Division.
This mass clemency announcement comes just over a week after Biden controversially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, despite previous commitments to avoid such actions, inciting backlash from both Republican critics and some Democratic supporters. Hunter Biden had recently pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges and faced potential prison sentences related to federal gun charges.
Biden’s action reflects a pattern seen in past presidencies, where some former leaders have granted clemency to family members or allies at the end of their terms. For instance, Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger on his last day in office, while Donald Trump granted clemency to Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law.
Included among those receiving relief on Thursday were a decorated military veteran and pilot actively supporting his church community, a nurse known for leading emergency responses to natural disasters, and an addiction counselor who volunteers extensively.
The White House emphasized that these clemency actions underscore the president’s commitment to criminal justice reform, aiming to reunite families, strengthen communities, and facilitate reintegration into society. According to the administration, Biden has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors during their first terms.
