Biden Pardons Hunter Ahead of Mass Clemency, Dividing Democrats
In a surprising move, President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for his son Hunter, overshadowing a historic mass clemency announcement. The decision has sparked intense debate among Democrats and criminal justice advocates, who view Biden’s approach as both groundbreaking and insufficient.
On Thursday, Biden granted nearly 1,500 commutations and 39 pardons, marking the largest single-day clemency act in modern history. Yet many advocates argue the gesture falls short of addressing deeper systemic injustices.
A Divided Party and Unmet Expectations
Democratic lawmakers expressed mixed feelings about Biden’s decision to prioritize Hunter. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) criticized the move, emphasizing the need for clemency for thousands of other Americans. “We’re still looking for the next list of people,” she said, referring to populations left out of the announcement.
The pardons focused on individuals with nonviolent offenses, including veterans, teachers, and community volunteers. However, the commutations were limited to individuals already on home confinement, leaving out incarcerated individuals and those facing harsh sentences under outdated policies.
Advocates Push for Broader Action
Clemency advocates have ramped up pressure on the White House to prioritize:
- Death row inmates.
- Americans serving sentences under the crack-to-powder cocaine sentencing disparity.
- Individuals with outdated sentences predating 1987, who don’t qualify for compassionate release.
“We want to take as many actions as we can before January,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), warning of potential reversals under an incoming Trump administration.
Advocates like Weldon Angelos, whose marijuana-related 55-year sentence was commuted by Donald Trump in 2020, highlighted the need to focus on individuals still in prison. “Their health’s in jeopardy — they should be prioritized,” Angelos said.
Legacy on Criminal Justice Reform
Biden’s clemency actions are seen as a test of his commitment to criminal justice reform. Despite campaign promises to transform the system, critics argue that his term has yielded only modest progress. Some lawmakers, such as Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), continue to push for high-profile pardons, including Native American activist Leonard Peltier and environmental lawyer Steven Donziger.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that more clemency announcements are forthcoming but did not specify a timeline.
The Road Ahead
As Biden’s term nears its end, advocates and Democrats urge him to expand clemency efforts to solidify his legacy. His ability to address systemic injustices will shape how his presidency is remembered in the realm of criminal justice.
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