Biden Grants Last-Minute Pardons to Five Family Members

In a last-minute decision as President, Joe Biden has granted pardons to five members of his family. In a statement released by the outgoing president, which has been available only in the archives since Donald Trump's term, Biden speaks about pardoning his brothers, James and Francis. Also included are his brother's wife, Sara Jones, his sister Valerie Biden-Owens, and her husband, John Owens.

"My family has been subjected to constant attacks and threats driven solely by a desire to harm me through the worst of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe that these attacks will stop," Biden stated in his announcement. He added that the pardons do not imply acceptance of any wrongdoing or guilt.

Biden has also declared pardons for 77-year-old businessman and politician Gerald Lundergan, and former member of the Columbia City Council, Ernest William Cromartie, who was convicted of tax evasion. It is noteworthy that in early December 2024, Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, for offenses he "committed or could have committed" between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.