President Joe Biden granted clemency to 1,500 people on Thursday, the most in a single day by any president, the White House said, two weeks after he controversially pardoned his son Hunter, who was convicted of gun and tax crimes.
President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House.
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Key Facts
The White House said the clemency covers nearly 1,500 people who were placed under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic—after being released from prison to limit the impact of the virus in jails.
The commutations were granted to people who have been serving their sentences at home for at least one year.
The statement said these people “have been reunited with their families and shown their commitment to rehabilitation by securing employment and advancing their education.”
Biden also issued pardons for 39 individuals who have been convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, “and have turned their lives around.”
The White House did not disclose the identities of the people who have been granted clemency but mentioned a few examples including a military veteran, a nurse who “helped spearhead vaccination efforts” during the pandemic and an addiction counselor.
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Crucial Quote
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances…I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses,” Biden said in a statement.
What To Watch For
Biden added his administration will continue to review clemency petitions in the next few weeks to “advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.” While the president didn’t mention any names, reports have suggested he is considering preemptive pardons for several people who may be targeted by Trump after he takes office. The list of names reportedly includes Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Rep Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., both of whom served on the House Jan. 6 committee, and Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Further Reading
Gavin Newsom And Democrats Blast Hunter Biden’s Pardon: Here’s How Both Sides Reacted (Forbes)
Trump Says Jan. 6 Committee Should Be Jailed—As Biden Reportedly Considers Pardons For Trump Foes (Forbes)
