Joe Biden Pardons Siblings and Their Spouses Amidst Partisan Attacks Before Leaving Presidency

Just before his presidency ended, Joe Biden issued pardons for his siblings and their spouses. He stated on Monday that his family had faced "unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics." As his term concluded, Biden expressed doubt that these attacks would cease.

Biden's decision to pardon his family was a surprising conclusion to his presidency. Known for his institutionalist approach during his long political career, Biden's actions were unexpected. The pardons included Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. These individuals have not been charged with any crimes.

Political Context and Reactions

The pardons aimed to protect against potential retaliation from Republican President Donald Trump. During his campaign, Trump suggested using the Justice Department against political opponents. Pam Bondi, Trump's attorney general nominee, assured lawmakers that prosecutions wouldn't be politically motivated but didn't rule out investigations into Trump's adversaries.

Last month, Biden pardoned his son Hunter for tax and gun-related offenses, despite earlier promises not to do so. The recent pardons also covered Biden's brother James and his wife Sara; sister Valerie and her husband John Owens; and brother Francis. Biden clarified that these pardons shouldn't imply any wrongdoing or guilt by those pardoned.

Republican Scrutiny and Family Business

In June, House Republicans urged the Justice Department to prosecute Hunter and James Biden for allegedly making false statements during a Republican-led impeachment inquiry. James Biden's lawyer dismissed these claims as "baseless partisan action." Republicans scrutinised James Biden's business dealings, alleging financial benefits for Joe Biden.

Democrats defended the transactions, citing bank records showing James repaid a loan from Joe Biden. Joe had transferred USD 200,000 to James about six weeks earlier while he was a private citizen. In an impeachment inquiry interview, James stated that Joe "never had any involvement" in family business dealings.

Historical Precedents

Other presidents have also pardoned family members for specific convictions. Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for drug charges after serving his sentence years earlier. In the final weeks of his first term, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner's father, along with allies convicted in Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

Biden's use of presidential power was notable as none of those pardoned faced charges. This move sought to shield them from potential future legal actions under Trump's administration.