Biden Commutes Sentences of Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenders

On Friday, President Joe Biden revealed that he is commuting the sentences of close to 2,500 people who were convicted for nonviolent drug crimes. In his concluding days in office, Biden has enacted a series of clemency measures designed to overturn prison sentences that he finds excessively severe. This recent action adds to his notable record as the president who has granted the most individual pardons and commutations.

Biden articulated his intent to correct what he sees as injustices within the criminal justice system. He emphasized that many of these lengthy sentences stem from outdated practices and misguided distinctions between crack and powder cocaine. "This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs," Biden stated, highlighting the importance of correcting sentencing imbalances and allowing affected individuals the chance to reunite with their families.

Although the White House has not disclosed the names of the individuals benefiting from these commutations, Biden hinted at the possibility of further clemency actions before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. This latest series of pardons follows Biden's previous commutation of sentences for about 1,500 individuals who were transitioned to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant moment in the landscape of modern clemency.

Biden’s decision has drawn praise from various advocacy groups. Shaneva D. McReynolds, representing Families Against Mandatory Minimums, noted that Biden is leaving a significant legacy concerning criminal justice reform. In addition, Sarah Gersten from the Last Prisoner Project remarked that this clemency action instills hope for those still incarcerated, especially concerning the impacts of the War on Drugs.

Last month, Biden also acted to commute the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, altering their punishments to life imprisonment—a notable move given that President Trump has long been a proponent of capital punishment. Furthermore, Biden granted a pardon to his son, Hunter, for past federal violations, amid concerns about potential prosecutions by Trump’s administration.

Historically, presidents often use the final days of their terms to issue pardons strategically, which raises the possibility that Biden may pursue more targeted clemency before his term concludes. In contrast, former President Trump also engaged in pardoning efforts at the end of his first term, which included a wide array of individuals.