WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Monday issued pardons to his siblings and their spouses, stating that his family had been “subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics.” He added, “Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” conveying a clear sentiment of vulnerability as he exited the presidency.

This unprecedented decision was made just minutes before he left office and concluded a series of significant actions taken by Biden, a veteran politician known for his institutionalist approach. Notably, he also pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, all targeted amid ongoing political strife with former President Donald Trump. In a remarkable use of his presidential powers, Biden emphasized that none of those pardoned had been charged with any crime, signifying a protective measure against potential retaliatory actions from his Republican successor.

In a prior act of clemency, Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, for tax and gun-related offenses, despite previous declarations against such actions. The list of family members receiving pardons included his brother James and wife Sara, sister Valerie and her husband John Owens, and brother Francis.

Biden clarified that these pardons should not be construed as any acknowledgment of wrongdoing, stating, “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”

The context of these pardons was underscored by House Republicans' actions, who had earlier sent a letter to the Justice Department suggesting prosecution for Hunter and James Biden. The letter accused them of making false statements during a Republican impeachment inquiry, to which James Biden's attorney referred to the claims as “baseless partisan action.” He had faced scrutiny over business dealings that critics argued benefitted from his brother’s status, but House Democrats defended the transactions as legitimate, pointing to evidence suggestive of loan repayments rather than misconduct.

Historically, presidential pardons for family members are not unusual; past presidents like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have similarly granted pardons to relatives during their final days in office.

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