Biden Commutes 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Sentences in Largest Clemency Act Before Leaving Office

Jan 17, 2025, 02:38 PM

President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. This move makes him the president who has issued the most individual pardons and commutations ever. The individuals are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to what they would receive under current laws, particularly those affected by outdated sentencing disparities for crack cocaine offenses. The clemency action aims to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system and correct historic wrongs from the failed "War on Drugs." Biden stated, "With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history." This decision comes as one of his final acts before leaving office next week.