As his tenure nears its end, U.S. President Joe Biden made headlines by granting clemency to 39 individuals and reducing the sentences of 1,500 more on Thursday.
Exercising his presidential pardon power, Biden’s actions sparked both praise and controversy, particularly as they come during his final days in office.
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Clemency Decisions: Biden pardoned 39 individuals, many of whom had been convicted of drug-related offenses, particularly for marijuana use or possession. Several of them had been under home confinement since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sentence Reductions: He commuted the sentences of 1,500 individuals, with a majority serving time for non-violent offenses, including substance abuse-related crimes.
Notable Comparison: Biden’s move places him just below Barack Obama, who holds the record for the most pardons in a single day, with 330 granted in 2017 during his final days as president.
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Biden’s use of clemency powers also comes amid broader debates, as his term has seen increased attention on criminal justice reform.
Speculation arose following his earlier decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, which marked the start of these recent clemency efforts.
In a statement, Biden emphasized his commitment to reviewing clemency applications and indicated that more such decisions could follow before he leaves office.
However, uncertainty remains about whether Biden will extend such powers to shield himself or members of the Trump administration from potential legal challenges.
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Biden’s actions reflect his administration’s focus on addressing systemic inequities in sentencing, particularly for non-violent drug offenses.
Read more: Donald Trump Named TIME Magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year
His clemency decisions highlight his broader legacy in criminal justice reform, while also drawing comparisons to his predecessor, Barack Obama.
