Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses, an unprecedented move in US history

Outgoing President Joe Biden welcomes President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives at the inauguration ceremony. At the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, January 20, 2025 | Photo: AFP

Former US President Joe Biden pardoned a record number of people on Monday morning, just hours before leaving office. This included some of his siblings and their spouses. Biden acted because he worried new President Donald Trump might target these people. No recent US president has pardoned so many people before leaving office. Trump criticized Biden's unusual decision. 

Biden pardoned his two brothers, James and Frank Biden, his sister Valerie Biden, and their spouses.

Other notable names include Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, former military leader General Mark Milley, and White House health advisor Anthony Fauci.

Biden used his power as president to pardon these people. This also included all lawmakers on the committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Liz Cheney was part of this group. Trump has said he will take action against her.

In a statement, Biden said, "My family has faced constant threats and attacks aimed at hurting me. These are examples of nasty partisan politics. Sadly, I don’t believe these attacks will stop."

Many questioned why Biden pardoned several family members at the last minute. A source close to Biden said Trump had already announced a special counsel to investigate Biden and his family, which made him worried.

Biden added, "Even innocent people who are investigated suffer financial and reputational damage."

According to a Reuters report, the US Constitution gives presidents the power to pardon federal crimes. Presidents usually pardon people who were convicted of crimes, but they can also pardon those who haven’t gone to trial.

Trump criticized Biden for issuing so many pardons right before leaving office. NBC reporter Kristen Welker shared a text from Trump, where he called the pardons "insulting" and claimed many of those pardoned had committed serious crimes.