President Joe Biden, on Monday, issued pardons for his siblings and their spouses, responding to what he described as relentless attacks and threats aimed at him and his family. Biden condemned these partisan attacks, calling them “the worst kind of partisan politics,” and expressed his belief that such attacks would likely continue.
In a statement, Biden said, “Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end.” The pardons came in the final moments of his presidency, as he also issued clemency for aides and allies targeted during the Trump administration. Notably, none of the individuals pardoned had been charged with any crimes.
Among those granted pardons were Biden’s brother James and his wife, Sara; his sister Valerie and her husband, John Owens; and his brother Francis. While issuing the pardons, Biden emphasized that this decision should not be construed as an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing. “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,” Biden stated.
The move came just as Biden stood at the U.S. Capitol to witness the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Last month, Biden also granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for tax and gun-related crimes. The series of pardons and commutations highlighted the outgoing president’s final actions in office, aimed at alleviating the ongoing political and legal pressure on his family and allies.