On January 17, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses, a move the White House hailed as the largest single-day clemency act in U.S. history.
Biden noted that these individuals were serving "disproportionately long sentences" compared to current laws, emphasizing the importance of this decision in addressing historical injustices and correcting sentencing disparities, while also allowing deserving individuals to reunite with their families.
He proudly stated that he has granted more pardons and commutations than any other president and hinted at the possibility of further actions before Donald Trump takes office on Monday.
In December, Biden had already commuted the sentences of around 1,500 people and pardoned 39, including his son, Hunter Biden, who faced potential prison time for gun and tax-related offenses.
Reports suggest that Biden is contemplating blanket pardons for some allies and former officials due to fears of potential "retribution" as previously indicated by Trump.
Additionally, Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, with notable exclusions including the Boston Marathon bomber and a gunman responsible for a mass shooting at a synagogue. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed intentions to resume federal executions, which were paused during Biden's administration for the purpose of aligning with his new administration.