Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden announced Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.

The recent round of clemency gives Biden the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. The Democrat said he is seeking to undo “disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.”

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in a statement. “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”

The White House did not immediately release the names of those receiving commutations.

Still, Biden said more could yet be coming, promising to use the time before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated Monday to “continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”

Friday’s action follows Biden’s commutations last month of the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the pardoning of 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. That was the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.

All of this comes as Biden continues to weigh whether to issue sweeping pardons for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly targeted by Trump’s administration. Though presidential pardoning powers are absolute, such a preemptive move would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power.

Last month, Biden also commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Trump has vowed to roll back that order after his term begins.

Biden also recently pardoned his son Hunter, not just for his convictions on federal gun and tax violations but for any potential federal offense committed over an 11-year period, as the president feared Trump allies would seek to prosecute his son for other offenses.

If history is any guide, meanwhile, Biden also is likely to issue more targeted pardons to help allies before leaving the White House, as presidents typically do in some of their final actions.

Just before midnight on the final night of his first term, Trump, a Republican, signed a flurry of pardons and commutations for more than 140 people, including his former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black and ex-members of Congress.

Trump’s final act as president in his first term was to announce a pardon for Al Pirro, ex-husband of Fox News Channel host Jeanine Pirro, one of his staunchest defenders. Al Pirro was convicted of conspiracy and tax evasion charges and sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2000.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jennifer Lopez says Ben Affleck divorce 'changed' her

Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About How Ben Affleck’s Divorce Impacted Her

Jennifer Lopez said her divorce from Ben Affleck was the ‘best thing…
Bad Bunny chosen for NFL Super Bowl halftime show after ICE comments

Bad Bunny Selected for Super Bowl Halftime Performance Despite Controversial ICE Remarks

Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and top-selling international artist Bad Bunny has been…
Europe WIN Ryder Cup as Rory McIlroy and Co survive nervy final day

Europe Triumphs in Ryder Cup Despite Final-Day Tensions Led by Rory McIlroy

The Ryder Cup is heading back to Europe as Rory McIlroy and…
Exclusive: Trump attacks former FBI director Wray after Comey indictment

Exclusive: Trump Criticizes Former FBI Director Wray Following Comey’s Indictment

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Dolly Parton, 79, postpones Las Vegas residency due to 'health challenges'

Dolly Parton, 79, Delays Las Vegas Shows Over ‘Health Issues’

Dolly Parton is postponing her Las Vegas residency due to “health challenges.”…
US citizen injured in LA immigration raid seeks $50M in federal claim

Injured US Citizen from LA Immigration Raid Files $50M Federal Claim

(The Hill) A U.S. citizen injured during a Los Angeles immigration raid…
Backlash over huge 'no-go zone' around William and Kate's Windsor home

Controversy Erupts Over Large Restricted Area Near William and Kate’s Windsor Residence

The Prince and Princess of Wales have sparked outrage in their local…
Battle brewing at Pentagon over press access

Inside the Pentagon: Growing Debate on Press Access

Media outlets and organizations are preparing for a battle over Defense Secretary…