President Biden recently granted clemency to a record-breaking number of individuals, comprising 39 pardons and nearly 1,500 commutations. This unprecedented move follows the controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, earlier this month, which drew criticism and fueled calls for broader clemency actions. The president indicated that further clemency actions are planned in the coming weeks.

All 39 pardons were granted to individuals convicted of non-violent offenses, with many related to drug crimes. The White House provided detailed justifications for each pardon, highlighting community involvement, professional achievements, and academic accomplishments. The nearly 1,500 commutations focused on individuals whose sentences would likely be shorter under current laws. These individuals were previously under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and have demonstrated successful reintegration into society.

Among those granted clemency are a decorated military veteran and pilot, a nurse instrumental in pandemic vaccination efforts, and an addiction counselor working with youth. This large-scale clemency action isn't Biden's first. He granted clemency to 75 individuals in April 2022, primarily for drug offenses and those under home confinement due to pandemic relief measures. Six more pardons followed in December 2022 for alcohol- and drug-related crimes. Between April 2023 and April 2024, an additional 47 commutations and 11 pardons were granted, focusing on non-violent drug offenses and individuals under home confinement.