In a final act before leaving office, President Joe Biden issued pardons to several family members, including his two brothers, James and Francis Biden, as well as their spouses, Sara and John, and his sister Valerie. In a statement, Biden explained that his family had been the target of relentless attacks and threats, driven by partisan motives to harm him personally. He added that he had no reason to believe these attacks would cease.
In addition to his family pardons, Biden also commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an indigenous activist convicted in the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents. Peltier, who had been denied parole in July, will now serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement, a decision Biden announced as part of his final actions before exiting the White House.
Earlier in the day, Biden granted preemptive pardons to several prominent government figures who could face retribution under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Among those pardoned were retired General Mark Milley, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff, Bennie Thompson, and Adam Kinzinger. These individuals were at the center of investigations and efforts that recommended prosecution for former President Donald Trump’s role in the insurrection.
These actions reflect Biden’s final efforts to shield key figures from future political repercussions as he wraps up his presidency.
