Biden Pardons 5 Members of His Family in Final Minutes in Office

In a controversial move, President Biden pardoned five members of his family in the final moments of his presidency. He stated that he made this decision not because they had committed any wrongdoing, but out of fear of political attacks from incoming President Donald J. Trump.

President Biden expressed concern for his family, stating that they had been targeted by relentless attacks driven by partisan politics. He believed that these attacks would continue even after his presidency.

The individuals pardoned by President Biden include his brother James B. Biden, James’s wife Sara Jones Biden, his sister Valerie Biden Owens, Valerie’s husband John T. Owens, and his brother Francis W. Biden. The pardons were announced with less than 20 minutes remaining in President Biden’s term.

This unexpected move marked the end of President Biden’s long political career and highlighted the strained relationship between him and President Trump. President Biden had previously warned about the threat he believed President Trump posed to democracy.

President Biden defended his decision to pardon his family members and others by emphasizing his belief in the rule of law. He expressed confidence in the strength of legal institutions to uphold justice despite political motivations.

The President also commuted the life sentence of Native American activist Leonard Peltier, allowing him to serve the remainder of his time in home confinement. This decision received support from various groups and individuals.

Additionally, President Biden granted pardons to two Democratic politicians, Ernest William Cromartie from South Carolina and Gerald G. Lundergan from Kentucky.