Joe Biden announced Friday morning that he has commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates convicted of non-violent drug offenses.

The decision, which comes as Biden approaches the conclusion of his presidency, is aimed at addressing what he described as “disproportionately long sentences” handed down under outdated laws.

BIDEN BREAKS RECORD FOR PARDONS AND COMMUTATIONS

Biden announced that he was commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses, saying he has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any of his predecessors.

The move… pic.twitter.com/JwDHj2luib

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The commutations primarily affect individuals sentenced for crimes involving crack and powder cocaine, reflecting reforms introduced through the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and the First Step Act of 2018.

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in a written statement.

He added, “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”

Biden’s clemency actions put him ahead of all previous U.S. presidents in the number of individual pardons and commutations issued.

“With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history,” Biden stated.

While granting clemency is a routine power exercised by presidents, Biden has faced criticism from both sides of the political aisle for some of his decisions.

In December, he commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row, sparing them from execution and sentencing them to life in prison without parole.

Biden also sparked controversy by issuing a blanket pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering all crimes Hunter “has committed or may have committed” between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.

Hunter Biden had been convicted in federal court last year on gun and tax-related charges.

Biden has repeatedly highlighted his commitment to clemency reform throughout his presidency.

On December 12, he announced what he described as the “largest single-day grant of clemency” in U.S. history.

On that day, he commuted the sentences of 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others, many of whom were already serving time in home confinement due to COVID-19-related measures.

“I am proud of my record on clemency,” Biden said, pledging to review additional applications for commutations and pardons before his final full day in office on January 19.

As of January 13, the Department of Justice reported 1,947 individuals awaiting pardons after completing their sentences.

An additional 6,625 cases for commutation remain pending following Biden’s latest actions.

The move to commute sentences for thousands of inmates reflects Biden’s broader efforts to address criminal justice reform.

However, his decisions continue to generate significant debate over the scope and implications of his clemency choices.

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