Biden Grants Largest Single-Day Clemency in U.S. History

President Joe Biden marked a historic day in clemency actions on December 11, 2024, by commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and granting pardons to 39 people. This large-scale act of mercy predominantly benefited those convicted of nonviolent offenses, reflecting the administration’s commitment to justice reform. Many of the individuals whose sentences were commuted had been serving time on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated successful reintegration into society.

Notable Pardons

One of the most controversial acts was the pardon of Hunter Biden, the President’s son, who faced charges related to gun possession and tax fraud. President Biden cited a belief in justice and concerns over politicization in this decision.

Other pardoned individuals included:

A military veteran who has dedicated his time to supporting church members in poor health.

A nurse recognized for leading emergency response during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

An addiction counselor who volunteers to guide young people away from gang involvement and destructive behaviors.


Commutation Recipients

Among the nearly 1,500 individuals who received commutations were people convicted of drug-related offenses and financial crimes. Some examples include:

Tellas Levallas Kennedy (Georgia): Convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, his sentence was commuted with the remainder to be served under home confinement.

Brittany Krambeck (Texas): Incarcerated for maintaining a drug-involved premises, her sentence was adjusted for early release.

Angelica Marquez (California): Sentenced for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, her sentence was shortened, with conditions of supervised release intact.


Broader Implications

This move continues Biden’s record of prioritizing clemency for those convicted of nonviolent offenses, building on earlier actions such as the mass pardon of individuals convicted for marijuana possession. While celebrated by justice reform advocates, the pardoning of Hunter Biden has sparked debate regarding impartiality and the extent of executive clemency power.

For the complete list of clemency recipients, visit the Department of Justice website.