Joe Biden announced the commutation of sentences for nearly 1,500 individuals and the granting of 39 pardons on Thursday, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history.

The announcement, made by the White House, detailed that the clemency actions focused on those convicted of non-violent offenses and inmates on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic who have successfully reintegrated into society.

The White House stated that these moves are part of the administration’s broader efforts to advance equal justice, promote public safety, and support rehabilitation. “The President has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms,” officials noted.

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Joe Biden indicated that more clemency actions are likely in the coming weeks, signaling his intent to review additional petitions before his term ends. “I will take more steps in the weeks ahead. My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances,” Biden said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

While Thursday’s clemency actions have drawn attention, they come amid intense scrutiny over Biden’s recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for felony gun and tax charges.

“The previous single-day record for clemency was held by Biden’s old boss, former president Barck Obama, but today’s action is five times larger than that” – Brooke Singman

The president’s move on December 1 contradicted earlier promises not to intervene in his son’s legal troubles, sparking bipartisan criticism and widespread public disapproval.

According to a poll conducted by the Associated Press, only 2 in 10 Americans supported the pardon, reflecting its unpopularity across political lines.

Public figures have also criticized Biden for appearing to use his presidential power for personal matters.

Hunter Biden had faced two separate federal cases earlier this year. In June, he was convicted on three felony gun charges for lying on a mandatory firearm purchase form by falsely claiming he was not using or addicted to drugs.

In September, he pleaded guilty to federal tax charges related to failing to pay taxes on substantial earnings.

In defense of his decision, President Biden argued that his son was “singled out only because he is my son” and that the legal actions against Hunter were part of an effort to “break Hunter” and ultimately “break me.”

The controversy over Hunter Biden’s pardon has intensified questions directed at the White House.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced a barrage of inquiries from reporters about whether the president had misled the public.

Jean-Pierre stated, “One thing the president believes is to always be truthful to the American people,” while repeatedly referring to Biden’s official statement.

NEW: Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden always believes to be “truthful to the American people” after a reporter asked her why Biden lied about not pardoning his son.

The gaslighting never ends.

Reporter: You and Biden said for months that he wouldn’t pardon Hunter… could those… pic.twitter.com/xTPVqNR7kj

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 2, 2024

The federal judge overseeing Hunter Biden’s case issued a sharp rebuke to Joe Biden, criticizing the pardon and accusing him of undermining the legal process.

The judge also dismissed claims of political bias against investigators and prosecutors involved in the case.

While Joe Biden’s historic clemency actions were positioned as efforts to advance justice and rehabilitation, the timing of these announcements has been overshadowed by the fallout from his son’s pardon.

The administration continues to face pressure to address concerns about transparency, fairness, and the use of executive powers as Biden prepares for further clemency decisions in the weeks ahead.