The US President Joe Biden has granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals in a sweeping act of mercy. This includes 39 presidential pardons for non-violent offenders and 1,499 commuted sentences, making it the largest single-day clemency announcement in US history, according to the White House.
The decision comes as Biden prepares to leave office on 20 January 2025, handing over the presidency to his successor, Donald Trump. While praised by some as a gesture of compassion, the move has also stirred political controversy, particularly given the recent pardon of Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, for tax fraud and gun-related crimes.
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A Second Chance for Many
Announcing the clemency, President Biden highlighted the rehabilitation and contributions of those pardoned, stating, “These individuals have demonstrated successful rehabilitation and shown a commitment to making their communities stronger and safer.”
The 39 pardons include cases like that of a Virginia man convicted of a drug offence at 21. After serving his sentence, he built a distinguished career in the US Army and Air Force, earned a university degree, and dedicated his time to veterans’ charities. The White House described him as “exceptionally hard working, dedicated, and trustworthy.”
The list of commutations primarily includes individuals who served lengthy sentences under outdated laws or were placed under home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Biden emphasized, “They have shown they deserve a second chance.”
Notable Names in Clemency
Among the more contentious cases were high-profile individuals convicted of financial crimes. These included:
- Timothy McGinn (76): A former stockbroker convicted in 2013 for defrauding hundreds of clients of millions, wiping out retirement savings for many.
- Jimmy Dimora: A former Ohio county commissioner convicted in 2012 of accepting $450,000 (£355,000) in bribes, including extravagant trips and personal luxuries.
- Paul Daugerdas: Found guilty in 2014 for orchestrating fraudulent tax shelters.
- Elaine Lovett: Convicted in a $26 million Medicare fraud scheme in 2017.
While some hailed these decisions as an act of mercy, critics questioned whether justice was served, particularly for the victims of these crimes.
Biden’s Clemency Legacy
Biden’s clemency record has been relatively sparse compared to his predecessors. Before this announcement, his most notable acts of pardon included:
- A 2022 categorical pardon for individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession, later expanded to other marijuana-related offences.
- Earlier this year, a pardon for military personnel and veterans convicted of offences related to their sexual orientation.
Biden’s recent clemency spree is a stark contrast to his previously cautious approach. Critics have speculated that the timing reflects an effort to shape his legacy before leaving office.
Hunter Biden Pardon Sparks Controversy
Biden’s decision earlier this month to pardon his son, Hunter, has drawn significant backlash. Hunter Biden was facing sentencing for tax fraud and illegal possession of a firearm. The president defended his actions, calling the charges politically motivated, but many questioned the ethics of pardoning a family member.
This continues a bipartisan tradition of presidents issuing controversial pardons. Former President Donald Trump famously granted clemency to several close allies, including his former campaign manager Paul Manafort and political advisor Roger Stone.
Trump’s Pardon Promises
As Biden exits, his successor, Donald Trump, has already pledged to issue mass pardons. In a recent interview, Trump vowed to pardon individuals convicted for their roles in the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots, provided they were non-violent. “A vast majority should not be in jail, and they’ve suffered gravely,” Trump told Time magazine.
During his first term, Trump issued 237 acts of clemency, including 143 pardons and 94 commutations, many of which came during his final days in office.
Smirnov’s Fabrications
Adding to the intrigue, former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov pleaded guilty on Thursday to fabricating claims about the Biden family. Smirnov admitted to concocting allegations that Joe Biden and his son accepted bribes from Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, claims that were leveraged by Republicans in Congress to accuse the president of corruption.
As Biden promises “more steps in the weeks ahead,” the full impact of his clemency record will likely be debated long after he leaves the White House.
