In a stunning and dramatic close to his presidency, Joe Biden issued pardons for five members of his own family just moments before departing office on Inauguration Day. The move, announced with less than 20 minutes left in his term, has sparked widespread debate about the intersection of family loyalty, political strategy, and the rule of law.
Biden Pardons Family Amidst Political Turmoil
Among the pardoned were James B. Biden, the president’s brother; Sara Jones Biden, James’s wife; Valerie Biden Owens, Mr. Biden’s sister; John T. Owens, Ms. Owens’s husband; and Francis W. Biden, another brother of the president. In his final official statement, Mr. Biden explained his rationale:
“My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end.”
The decision appeared to be fueled by Biden’s distrust of his successor, Donald J. Trump. Biden expressed concerns about politically motivated investigations targeting his family, asserting that the mere threat of such actions could wreak havoc on their lives and reputations. Biden, who has long championed the rule of law, noted: “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances.”
The pardons were announced as Biden walked into the Capitol Rotunda to witness Trump’s swearing-in, underscoring the deep mistrust between the outgoing and incoming administrations. The timing of the announcement—mere minutes before the transition of power—has led to questions about transparency and whether Biden’s decision undermines his previous commitments to upholding legal institutions.
Notable Pardons by Joe Biden
In addition to the family pardons, Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, the Native American activist convicted of killing two FBI agents in 1975. Peltier, now 80 and in declining health, will serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement. The clemency has been widely praised by tribal nations, human rights organizations, and lawmakers. “Tribal nations, Nobel Peace laureates, and former law enforcement officials strongly supported granting Mr. Peltier clemency, citing his advanced age, illnesses, and close ties to the Native American community,” the White House said.
Biden also pardoned two Democratic politicians: Ernest William Cromartie, a former city councilman in South Carolina. Gerald G. Lundergan, a state legislator from Kentucky. These decisions, while less controversial than the family pardons, highlight the broader context of Biden’s final clemency spree. Biden’s final actions as president undermines his commitment to the rule of law. As America transitions to another Trump presidency, Biden’s decision remains a potent reminder of the intense political polarization gripping the nation.
