President Biden Grants Mass Pardons to 1,500 Inmates, Including His Son Hunter Biden

Washington,D.C.:In an unprecedented move, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a historic pardon for 1,500 criminals, marking the largest single-day commutation of sentences in American history. The individuals who received sentence reductions include prisoners who served at least one year of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as 39 offenders convicted of non-violent crimes.

According to U.S. media reports, during the pandemic, one in five prisoners in America contracted COVID-19. The decision to grant pardons and sentence reductions is seen by some as a response to the severe health risks faced by inmates during the pandemic, as well as a broader criminal justice reform initiative.

Among the pardoned individuals, 39 were convicted of non-violent offenses. The move has drawn both praise and criticism, with some questioning whether political motivations played a role in the timing of the pardons.

Additionally, the decision comes amid growing pressure on President Biden to address the legal troubles of his son, Hunter Biden, who has faced charges related to gun possession and tax violations. Hunter Biden had been accused of lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm and later admitting to tax evasion. Despite pleading guilty, Hunter was not sentenced to prison, with many critics suggesting that the case was politically charged.

In early December 2024, President Biden had also announced a controversial pardon for his son regarding these charges. In a statement, President Biden defended his son, arguing that “any reasonable person reviewing the facts of Hunter’s case would conclude that he was targeted simply because he is my son, which is wrong.”

This decision has reignited debates on the ethics of presidential pardons, especially regarding cases that could be seen as benefiting family members. The announcement also raised questions about the possibility of President Biden considering pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, as he faces increasing pressure to take action before the next presidential election.

The massive commutation of sentences is a bold move by President Biden, aligning with his broader criminal justice reform agenda. However, it is also likely to fuel continued discussions on the role of presidential power in influencing legal outcomes, particularly when family members are involved.