In a significant move just before the transition of power, President Joe Biden issued pardons to several family members, including his brothers, on Monday.
This action took place shortly before President-elect Donald Trump was set to take the oath of office.
According to the Daily Caller, Biden extended pardons to his brother Frank, another brother James, James' wife Sara Biden, his sister Valerie Owens, and her husband, John Owens. This decision marked one of his final acts as president. Notably, James and Frank Biden had been linked to Hunter Biden's international business ventures.
In a statement from the White House, Biden emphasized his commitment to the rule of law, expressing hope that "the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics." He criticized what he described as "baseless and politically motivated investigations," which he argued can severely impact the lives and financial stability of those targeted. "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," Biden stated.
The President further clarified his decision, asserting, "That is why I am exercising my power under the Constitution to pardon James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden." He stressed that these pardons should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing by the individuals involved, nor should their acceptance be seen as an acknowledgment of guilt.
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