Biden’s full list of clemency and commutation recipients revealed
The White House made headlines on Thursday with President Joe Biden’s unprecedented act of clemency. A list of names, including 39 people who were pardoned and nearly 1,500 whose sentences were commuted, was released to the public. This single-day record for clemency under any president comes on the heels of Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, earlier in the month. The move sparked pressure from within the Democratic Party for additional pardons to be issued.
In a statement released by the White House, President Biden expressed his commitment to reviewing clemency petitions to promote equal justice under the law, public safety, rehabilitation, reentry, and second chances. The list of 39 pardons was exclusively given to non-violent offenders, many of whom had been convicted of drug crimes. While details on the non-drug-related, non-violent offenses were scarce, each pardon was accompanied by a detailed explanation of why it was deserved, highlighting community engagement, professional achievements, and academic accomplishments.
Additionally, President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals, citing that their long prison terms would have been shorter under current laws. He noted that all those selected had been on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and had successfully reintegrated into their families and communities, demonstrating their readiness for a second chance. Among the recipients were a decorated military veteran and pilot, a nurse who played a vital role in vaccination efforts during the pandemic, and an addiction counselor dedicated to helping young individuals steer clear of drugs.
President Biden’s recent actions are part of a larger pattern of clemency and commutations granted throughout his term. Starting in April 2022, Biden offered clemency to 75 individuals convicted of drug offenses and those under home confinement due to pandemic relief legislation. This was followed by six pardons in December of the same year for individuals with alcohol- and drug-related convictions. From April 2023 to April 2024, Biden granted an additional 47 commutations and 11 pardons to individuals in similar circumstances.
The White House’s release of the clemency lists underscores President Biden’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and second chances. As the administration continues to review petitions and grant pardons, the impact of these actions on individuals and communities across the nation remains a focal point of Biden’s presidency.
