Former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued full and unconditional pardons to five family members on his last day in office. The pardons were granted to James Biden, his brother; Sara Biden, James's wife; Valerie Biden Owens, the former president's sister; John T. Owens, Ms. Owens's husband; and Francis W. Biden, the youngest of the former president's siblings.
None of the five family members have been charged with any crimes. However, congressional Republicans have claimed that some of the Bidens profited from Mr. Biden's long tenure in government. On the campaign trail, President Trump had signaled that he had plans to use the Justice Department to "go after" members of the Biden family.
The pardons were a pre-emptive move by Mr. Biden to protect his family from potential prosecution by the Trump administration. The pardons were also seen as a way to avoid a potential conflict of interest if Mr. Biden were to run for president again in 2024.
The pardons were met with mixed reactions. Some people praised Mr. Biden for protecting his family, while others criticized him for using his power to pardon family members who had not been charged with any crimes.
9 Comments
Rotfront
I'm proud of President Biden for doing what's right, even when it's unpopular.
Matzomaster
This is a slap in the face to all the hardworking Americans who play by the rules. Biden is above the law!
Karamba
Good for Biden for protecting his family from these politically motivated attacks!
Rotfront
This is a wise move by Biden to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Matzomaster
This is an outrage! These people should be investigated, not pardoned!
Leonardo
President Biden is doing the right thing by standing by his family.
Raphael
This is just another reason why I won't be voting for Biden in 2024.
Michelangelo
I'm disgusted by this. It's a complete misuse of power.
Donatello
This shows that the Democrats are not afraid to stand up to bullies.