Biden Makes History with Record Pardons for Nearly 1,500 Americans

On December 12, 2024, President Biden announced an unprecedented commutation of nearly 1,500 sentences, marking the highest number of clemency grants by a sitting U.S. president in a single day.

The White House disclosed that a substantial portion of those receiving pardons had been under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 39 individuals convicted for nonviolent offenses, such as marijuana possession. The timing follows Biden's earlier controversial pardon for his son, Hunter, who faced charges for gun possession and tax evasion—a move that created backlash among both parties. The administration emphasized that this latest action signifies Biden's dedication to “help reunite families, strengthen communities, and reintegrate individuals back into society.” This historic clemency grant aims to foster healing and support for those affected by past convictions.