Biden’s Final Pardons: Controversy, Nepotism, and Record-Breaking Clemency

What Happened?

As President Joe Biden exited the White House, he exercised his constitutional power of clemency in a controversial manner that has earned him a fair share of criticism.

Issuing a wave of pardons in the twilight of his presidency, Biden caused an uproar. Particularly in conservative circles who questioned the precedent set, and the implications for justice and accountability.

The sheer scope of the ex-president's clemency decisions raised many eyebrows, casting a shadow over his final days in the White House.

Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, absolving him of federal gun and tax evasion charges. Hunter's scandals have been well-documented and remained a near-constant source of criticism during Biden's presidency. As a result, the decision to pardon his son was particularly controversial.

It elicited cries of nepotism given Biden's previous assurances that he would not interfere in any legal matters involving his family. Critics disputed that this pardon undermines public confidence in the equal application of the law.

The president also extended preemptive pardons to his brother, James Biden, shielding him from investigations into allegations of influence-peddling involving the Biden family’s business dealings. These actions have reignited concerns about nepotism and abuse of executive power.

Beyond his family, Biden also issued pardons for several controversial officials. Dr. Anthony Fauci, who continues to face an onslaught of public scrutiny over his role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, received clemency. This was a particularly odd choice given that there are no active legal cases against him.

Similarly, General Mark Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was granted a pardon to preempt potential investigations into controversial decisions during his tenure. While these actions were framed as measures to protect public servants, many see them as an overreach that shields officials from accountability.

In a more expansive gesture, Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders. This aligns with his administration’s emphasis on criminal justice reform and reducing racial disparities in sentencing.

However, critics argue that such sweeping clemency risks overlooking the nuances of individual cases, potentially allowing individuals with serious offenses back into communities without proper oversight.

Why it Matters

These actions have caused many to question how presidential power should be wielded responsibly, as many view these pardons as superfluous.

While the U.S. Constitution does grant the president the authority to pardon, as a check on the judicial branch, the lack of accountability in these decisions has long been a point of contention.

With over 8,000 pardons, Biden set the record for the most pardons of any president. The previous record was held by Franklin D. Roosevelt at 3,687. However, it should be noted that Roosevelt served a total of 12 years as president, while Joe Biden served a single 4-year term.

How it Affects You

Should such excessive clemency become the norm for whoever sits in the Oval Office, it could further erode the public's trust in government institutions and deepen political divisions.

Moreover, the release of thousands of inmates without a robust system to monitor their reintegration could pose safety concerns in communities across the country.

While his supporters may view these actions as a final attempt to address systemic issues, many see them as a glaring example of why checks on executive power are essential.