On January 20, 2025, during the final hour of his presidency, Joe Biden granted pardons to five members of his family: brother James Biden, his wife Sarah Biden, sister Valerie Biden Owens and her husband John T. Owens, and brother Francis Biden. These pardons were issued in response to what Biden described as "unrelenting attacks and threats" waged against his family, which he believed were politically motivated. The pardons were framed as a defense against these politically charged investigations, which Biden argued had no basis in criminal activity but were intended to tarnish his family's reputation for partisan advantage.
While none of the pardoned family members had been indicted on any crimes, Biden emphasized that the pardons were meant to protect them from what he called "wasteful and unnecessary attention to crime" that could result in reputational and financial damage. He stated that investigations without charges would only harm his family's standing and distract from real issues. These clemency actions were part of a broader pattern of preemptive pardons Biden issued on his final day in office, aimed at shielding his family from politically motivated scrutiny.
The focus on Biden's family intensified under the GOP-led House Oversight Committee, which had been investigating them since January 2023, particularly Hunter Biden's foreign business activities and James Biden's controversial dealings. Despite extensive investigations, no evidence was found to suggest that Joe Biden had personally benefited from or been involved in his family's business operations. James Biden testified that he had never involved his brother in his business dealings. However, these investigations, along with the threat of impeachment, contributed to accusations of unethical behavior, with allegations that Biden used his vice presidency to further his relatives' interests.
The most high-profile legal case involved Hunter Biden, who was convicted in June 2025 on federal charges for illegally purchasing a firearm while addicted to drugs. The case stemmed from Hunter's admission to a crack cocaine addiction in 2018, during which time he made false statements on a federal form while attempting to buy a gun. Although the charges could have resulted in up to 25 years in prison, Joe Biden pardoned his son in December 2025 before sentencing could occur. In addition to the gun charges, Hunter also pleaded guilty to tax crimes. Biden defended his son, stating that the charges were politically motivated and aimed at undermining his presidency, calling the prosecution "unfair" due to Hunter's relationship with the president.
Biden's pardons extended to other figures he feared might become targets of politically motivated investigations if former President Donald Trump were re-elected. This included General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the House Select Committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Biden expressed concern that these individuals could face prosecution as revenge for opposing Trump.
In his final days, Biden also issued clemency to individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. On January 19, he granted clemency to five such individuals and commuted the sentences of two others, adding to the 2,500 individuals whose sentences for non-violent drug offenses were commuted during his presidency. Biden's focus on criminal justice reform and his broader stance on pardons and commutations left a lasting mark on his final days in office.
Though controversial, these pardons reflect the intensely political climate under which Biden's presidency unfolded. His actions continue to be viewed through a partisan lens, and the legacy of his presidency will likely remain a topic of heated debate as the nation moves forward into the new administration.
