In a landmark decision, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and issued 39 pardons, marking what the White House calls the “largest single-day grant of clemency in American history.”
The announcement, made on Thursday morning, comes as Biden nears the end of his term and follows his controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden—a move that has drawn both praise and criticism.
The White House described the clemency initiative as a reflection of President Biden’s commitment to justice reform and community safety. “President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans – the most ever in a single day – who have shown successful rehabilitation and a strong commitment to making their communities safer,” the statement read.
The commutations primarily target individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and have successfully reintegrated into society.
Additionally, Biden pardoned 39 people convicted of non-violent offenses, emphasizing the administration’s focus on giving rehabilitated individuals a second chance.
The clemency actions are expected to be part of a broader initiative, with the administration signaling that more pardons and commutations may follow in the final weeks of Biden’s presidency.
While the