US President Biden Grants Clemency to 2,500 Individuals in Historic Move

Outgoing US President Joe Biden has granted clemency to over 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking the largest single-day clemency action in US history. In a statement, Biden explained that those whose sentences were commuted had been serving sentences that were disproportionately long compared to what they would face today. He called the decision an essential step toward addressing historical injustices, correcting sentencing disparities, and allowing individuals to reunite with their families. “With this action, I have now granted more pardons and commutations than any other president in US history,” Biden remarked. He further stated that additional clemencies could be issued before his term ends and President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on Monday. This follows Biden’s commutation of nearly 1,500 sentences and pardoning of 39 individuals last month, including his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing prison over gun and tax-related offenses. Biden has also reportedly been considering granting blanket pardons to allies and former officials, amid concerns they may face retribution. Last December, Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates.