BBC News - President Joe Biden issues 39 presidential pardons and commutes 1,500 sentences | BBC News
President Biden has enacted a significant clemency initiative, granting pardons and sentence commutations to 1,500 individuals, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history. This move primarily affected nonviolent offenders, with many cases related to marijuana offenses. The decision comes in the wake of criticism over Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter, for gun and tax offenses. The White House emphasized the theme of second chances, noting that those granted clemency had demonstrated successful rehabilitation. This action is reminiscent of Jimmy Carter's mass pardon for Vietnam War draft evaders. The administration continues to review clemency claims, suggesting more pardons may follow. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has indicated plans to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, whom he refers to as 'J6 hostages.'
Key Points:
- Biden's clemency affected 1,500 people, focusing on nonviolent and marijuana-related offenses.
- The initiative is the largest single-day clemency act in modern U.S. history.
- The move follows backlash over Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, for tax and gun charges.
- The White House highlights rehabilitation and second chances as key themes.
- President-elect Trump plans to pardon January 6th Capitol insurrection participants.