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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a notable exercise of presidential authority during his final hours in office, former President Joe Biden issued pardons and commutations to several individuals, including family members, prominent figures, and long-serving prisoners.
Among those granted clemency were James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden. The pardons, according to the President, were an effort to shield against what he described as “politically motivated attacks” by the incoming Trump administration.
Guarding Against Retaliation
Biden’s actions followed former President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of an “enemies list” targeting political opponents and individuals involved in investigations of his conduct. These included his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Trump’s recent nominations for cabinet positions—many of whom supported his unfounded election fraud claims—heightened concerns of retribution.
Among the notable figures pardoned was Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci became a lightning rod for criticism from Trump and his supporters after resisting the administration’s push to endorse unsubstantiated claims about the virus. Fauci’s steadfast stance against misinformation made him a target for right-wing ire, particularly over pandemic policies such as mask mandates, which some viewed as infringements on personal freedoms.
A Statement from the President
In a statement accompanying the pardons, Biden addressed the challenges his family has faced amid persistent partisan attacks:
“My family has been subjected to unrelenting threats and baseless accusations aimed solely at undermining my integrity. I remain confident in the strength of our legal institutions but recognize the toll these politically motivated investigations take on individuals and their families.”
Biden emphasized that the pardons were not an acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the recipients nor an admission of guilt. Instead, they were intended to prevent unwarranted harm caused by such investigations.
Additional Pardons and a Historic Commutation
Biden also granted clemency to several other individuals whose circumstances drew significant public attention:
- Gerald G. Lundergan: Pardoned at the age of 77, Lundergan suffered a debilitating stroke before serving his sentence. Since his release, he has demonstrated remorse by fundraising for substance abuse recovery initiatives and establishing a nonprofit organization to help former inmates reintegrate into society.
- Ernest William Cromartie: A dedicated public servant, Cromartie has contributed extensively to his community since his release. His efforts include establishing a scholarship for underprivileged youth and active involvement in his faith community. Supporters have lauded his leadership and compassion.
Biden also commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old Native American activist who has spent nearly five decades in prison for the killing of two FBI agents during a standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. While Peltier’s sentence has been reduced to home confinement due to severe health issues, he was not pardoned for his underlying conviction. The decision reflects widespread support for clemency from Tribal Nations, Nobel Peace laureates, and human rights organizations, citing his age, health, and significant time served.
Historical Context and Legacy
Biden’s use of presidential clemency underscores his commitment to addressing perceived injustices and alleviating undue suffering. As he noted, these actions were driven by a belief in the rule of law and a hope for a more equitable future, free from the divisive politics that have marred recent years.
