Outgoing President Joe Biden had one final act up his sleeve before leaving the Presidency, issuing a final round of pardons for his family members.
Just minutes before President-elect Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, the White House released a statement announcing a series of pardons. Among those pardoned were President Biden’s two brothers, his sister, and other family members.
The statement explained that these pardons were issued to shield them from what was described as politically motivated prosecutions following Biden’s departure from office.
The announcement followed an earlier controversial decision by Biden to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, on charges related to gun possession and tax issues. At the time, Biden justified his actions by claiming that Hunter was being unfairly targeted due to his father’s political position. These decisions have sparked significant backlash and public debate.
On Monday, Biden extended legal protections to several members of his family. The pardons covered his brother James Biden, James’ wife Sarah Biden, his sister Valerie Biden Owens, her husband John T. Owens, and his younger brother Francis W. Biden.
In a statement released by the White House, Biden defended his actions, stating, “My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end.”
Earlier the same day, Biden issued blanket pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of Congress who participated in the investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including former Representative Liz Cheney.
