President Joe Biden issued last-minute blanket pardons for five family members during the final moments of his presidency, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda.
The pardons, which Biden granted to James Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden, were characterized as a response to what the president described as politically motivated threats and attacks against his family.
In his statement, President Biden emphasized his belief in the rule of law while expressing concern about the impact of political investigations on individuals and their families. “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances,” he stated.
The pardons cover any nonviolent offenses against the United States potentially committed between January 1, 2014, and January 20, 2025. This action follows Biden’s earlier pardon of his son Hunter Biden, which had similar temporal parameters.
Earlier that day, Biden had also issued preemptive pardons to several political figures, including former NIAID director Anthony Fauci, former Joint Chief of Staff chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Senator Adam Schiff, former Representative Liz Cheney, and members of the House January 6 Committee.
The pardon effectively buries the years-long James Biden influence peddling affair, being probed by Congressional Republicans and journalists. While he did not face any criminal charges, Biden’s brother James, a former nightclub owner, broker and political consultant, has been accused by Republicans of lying to Congress, as well as acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
James and the president’s son, Hunter, were subpoenaed over the alleged involvement of President Biden in their business dealings in the US and abroad, namely in China and Ukraine. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father late last year, months after his conviction on gun and tax charges and as he faced sentencing in a separate case.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), had been investigating alleged influence peddling involving Biden family members. In a letter to Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, Comer specifically addressed James Biden’s testimony to Congress, recommending criminal charges for alleged false statements.
The investigation had also focused on Sara Jones Biden’s financial transactions, particularly a $40,000 check marked as a “loan repayment” to Joe Biden, allegedly connected to funds originating from Hunter Biden’s Chinese business dealings.
The pardons’ implications for ongoing investigations remain unclear, as they effectively grant immunity to Biden’s family members for any potential financial crimes within the specified timeframe.
