President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, setting a new record for individual clemency actions by a U.S. president. The announcement came just three days before the end of his term, underscoring his focus on addressing disparities in the criminal justice system.
The clemency actions targeted sentencing disparities tied to past differences between crack and powder cocaine penalties, as well as outdated enhancements for drug-related crimes. Biden highlighted the initiative to provide relief for individuals who received disproportionately long sentences under previous laws and practices.
This announcement follows a series of recent clemency actions.
Last month, Biden commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals on home confinement during the pandemic and pardoned 39 nonviolent offenders. It marked the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.
The White House has not released the full list of individuals impacted by this latest action. Biden indicated that additional pardons and commutations may follow in the final days of his presidency.
He described these actions as part of broader efforts to address historic injustices in the criminal justice system. He looks to reunite individuals with their families and communities.
Biden’s clemency actions are a defining component of his administration’s focus on justice reform. The decisions are expected to have lasting implications for thousands of individuals and their families.
President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office Monday, Jan. 20.
