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President Joe Biden has said he is commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, setting a presidential record.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
This latest round of clemency sets a presidential record, with Biden now holding the distinction of issuing the most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history.
The president framed the decision as part of a broader effort to undo injustices in the criminal justice system, particularly those stemming from outdated and often racially biased sentencing practices.
Evan Vucci/AP
What To Know
On Friday, the White House issued a statement announcing Biden’s plan to commute the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses.
The move capped a series of commutations that sought to address what Biden called “disproportionately long sentences” for crimes that no longer carried the same weight under current laws.
The president indicated that his administration, which is set to end on Monday, was reviewing additional pardons and commutations.
Biden’s recent clemency actions have not been limited to those convicted of drug offenses. In a notable move last month, he commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, transforming their sentences into life imprisonment.
In December, he also commuted the sentences of about 1,500 people who had been released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, that action, along with the pardoning of 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes, marked the largest single-day clemency act in modern U.S. history.
Biden’s actions draw a stark contrast to the final days of Donald Trump’s first administration, when the outgoing Republican president issued a flurry of pardons and commutations for more than 140 individuals—including his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, and former members of Congress.
Trump’s last act of clemency was a pardon for Al Pirro, the ex-husband of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro. He had been convicted on conspiracy and tax evasion charges.
What Political Implications Do Joe Biden’s Commutations Have
As his presidency nears its conclusion, Biden has also pardoned his son Hunter Biden for federal tax and gun violations, addressing concerns that Trump’s allies might attempt to prosecute him further.
While the scope of Biden’s pardons may raise questions, especially regarding the potential for political ramifications, they remain well within his constitutional authority as president.
Rod Lamkey Jr./AP
What People Are Saying
President Joe Biden said in a statement on Friday: “Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.
“As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities. This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”
What Happens Now
Biden’s clemency spree comes amid discussions about the possibility of broader pardons for former officials and allies who may face unjust legal scrutiny under a Trump administration.
Presidential pardons are an expansive power, and using them preemptively has historical precedent.
As Biden approaches the end of his term, analysts say his legacy regarding clemency will be marked by efforts to address systemic issues in the criminal justice system and offer a second chance to thousands of individuals caught in its net.
It remains to be seen whether Trump will continue or dismantle these reforms.
This article contains additional reporting from the Associated Press.
