President Joe Biden announced the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history. He will use his presidential pardon power to pardon 39 individuals and commute the sentences of another 1,500 people, all convicted for non-violent crimes, particularly drug-related offenses. Biden stated, “The United States is built on the promise of second chances,” and that the individuals granted clemency have shown remorse and rehabilitation, helping to strengthen their communities. The 1,500 people with reduced sentences have been in prison for years and would likely receive lower sentences under current laws. Many were released to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. Biden highlighted several beneficiaries, including a veteran helping his church members, an emergency responder, and an addiction counselor. This act surpasses Barack Obama’s 2017 record, when he granted clemency to 330 individuals. Human rights organizations had previously urged Biden to reduce the sentences of those on federal death row.
Biden Commutes Sentences of 1,500 Convicts, Pardons 39 in "Largest Act of Clemency in Modern U.S. History in a Single Day"
In a unilateral display of mercy and justice reform, U.S. President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 more on Tuesday, April 26, marking what his administration described as the "largest single-day exercise of clemency in American history." These sweeping acts of clemency not only set a new record but also underscore Biden’s commitment to criminal justice reform and addressing racial disparities in sentencing.
The 1,500 commutations involved individuals serving time for non-violent drug crimes, primarily those convicted under the nation’s stricter drug laws of the past decades. Many of these individuals had been identified as suitable for clemency due to their prospective release dates or because they had served heroic acts of service during their incarceration, such as mentoring fellow inmates or assisting in COVID-19 relief.
Among the 1,500 commutations, 535 involved life sentences, significantly reducing the amount of time these individuals will spend behind bars. The majority of those receiving commutations will be released after they complete their prison terms, while a smaller group will be released immediately. This action by Biden pits him against his predecessor, Donald Trump, who issued around 300 commutations and only one pardon during his tenure.
In addition to these monumental commutations, Biden also granted full pardons to 39 individuals, representing the lowest level of clemency, exonerating them of their convictions. Pardons restore rights such as the right to vote, obtain employment, or hold public office. In line with his campaign promises, Biden’s pardon recipients are largely non-violent drug offenders and individuals convicted of crimes that disproportionately affect minority communities.
The Biden administration has signaled that these clemency actions are only the outset of a larger effort. In a statement, the White House announced that more actions are forthcoming, indicating that Biden will continue to leverage his authority to correct fulfill a promise of justice and equity. The administration has also emphasized the role of restorative justice, highlighting the positive contributions and reforms many incarcerated individuals have made during their time in prison.
President Biden’s kilometric clemency actions have sparked conversation about the systemic failures within the U.S. criminal justice system, particularly the disparities in drug sentencing and the need for greater compassion and leniency for low-level drug offenders. As Biden continues to champion criminal justice reform, advocates hope these actions will mark a turning point in the way America approaches criminal punishment.
With over 1,800 clemency actions in a single day, Biden’s bold initiative has reaffirmed his commitment to criminal justice reform, demonstrated his ability to use presidential power for palpable change, and rewritten America’s history of clemency. This unprecedented display of mercy not only impacts those directly involved but sends a clear message of hope to communities disproportionately affected by the priorities of the past, signaling a new chapter in U.S. criminal justice.
