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Biden Pardons Siblings, Citing Partisan Attacks, Before Exit

Biden Pardons Siblings, Citing Partisan Attacks, Before Exit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Just before leaving office, President Joe Biden pardoned his siblings and their spouses, citing politically motivated attacks. The unprecedented move, part of a broader slate of pardons, aimed to protect his family from potential Republican retribution. Biden also pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and others.

President Joe Biden, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris arrive for the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Biden’s Family Pardons Quick Looks

  • Family Pardoned: Biden granted clemency to his siblings and their spouses.
  • Motivation: He cited “unrelenting attacks” as politically motivated.
  • Hunter Biden Included: Hunter was pardoned last month for tax and gun crimes.
  • Broader Pardons: Fauci, Milley, and Jan. 6 committee members also pardoned.
  • Historical Precedent: Other presidents, including Clinton and Trump, pardoned relatives.

Biden Pardons Siblings, Citing Partisan Attacks, Before Exit

Deep Look

Biden Pardons Family Members in Unprecedented Final Act

Introduction: Protecting Family Amid Political Attacks
In his final moments as president, Joe Biden issued a series of pardons that included his siblings and their spouses. The action, announced just before he left office, aimed to shield his family from what he described as “unrelenting attacks and threats” stemming from partisan politics.

“Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” Biden stated, defending the move as necessary to protect his loved ones from future retribution by the incoming Trump administration.

Who Was Pardoned?
Biden’s pardons covered his brother James and his wife Sara, his sister Valerie and her husband John Owens, and his brother Francis. The president emphasized that the pardons were not an acknowledgment of guilt.

“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing,” Biden explained.

Last month, Biden also pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for tax and gun-related offenses, breaking from prior promises not to intervene in his son’s legal matters.

Wider Pardons: Guarding Allies and Public Servants
Biden’s final clemency acts extended beyond his family:

These pardons, though preemptive, underscore Biden’s efforts to protect key figures from potential legal action during Trump’s second term.

Context: Republican Scrutiny of the Bidens
Republicans had intensified scrutiny of Biden’s family during their impeachment inquiry, alleging financial improprieties involving James Biden. The inquiry focused on a $200,000 payment James received, which Republicans claimed showed President Biden’s involvement in his brother’s business dealings.

Democrats defended the transaction, stating the funds were part of a loan repayment. In testimony during the inquiry, James Biden denied his brother had any involvement in family business dealings.

Historical Precedent: Pardoning Relatives
Biden’s pardons follow a historical trend of presidents granting clemency to family members:

While not unprecedented, Biden’s sweeping use of pardons for his family sets a notable example, as none of those pardoned have been charged with crimes.

Conclusion: A Controversial Final Act
Biden’s pardons, particularly of his family, highlight the heightened partisanship surrounding his presidency’s conclusion. By framing the clemency as a protective measure against politically motivated attacks, Biden sought to shield his legacy and those closest to him from the challenges of a polarized political climate.

As Trump assumes office, the impact of Biden’s decisions will likely spark debate over the balance between presidential power and accountability.


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