Historical analysis by major political analysts or publications

Biden Pardons Family Members in Final Act, Citing 'Unrelenting Attacks' from Trump and Allies

Jan 20, 2025, 04:49 PM

In his final moments as president, just 20 minutes before the end of his term, Joe Biden issued pardons to several members of his family, including James Biden, Sara Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John Owens, and Francis W. Biden. The decision was made in response to what Biden described as 'unrelenting attacks and threats' against his family, motivated by partisan politics from Donald Trump and his allies. Biden stated that these attacks were intended to hurt him personally, and he used his constitutional power to grant the pardons to protect his family from further harm.