President Joe Biden’s Expansive Clemency Record Marks a Major Shift in U.S. Justice Policy
Americans have been asking one big question lately — how many people did Biden pardon during his presidency? As of late 2025, the official count stands at around 80 full pardons. However, that number only tells part of the story. When combined with commutations — the reduction or adjustment of prison sentences — President Joe Biden has granted clemency to more than 4,000 individuals, making his administration one of the most active in modern history when it comes to granting second chances.
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Understanding the Difference Between Pardons and Commutations
Before diving deeper into the numbers, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a presidential pardon and what differentiates it from a commutation.
- A presidential pardon completely forgives a federal offense, restoring civil rights such as the ability to vote, hold public office, or own firearms.
- A commutation, on the other hand, does not erase the conviction but shortens the sentence or modifies its conditions, often allowing early release.
While Biden’s total number of pardons might appear low at first glance, his approach to clemency has been broader, targeting systemic injustices through mass commutations and category-based pardons, particularly for nonviolent drug offenders and low-level federal cases.
How Many People Did Biden Pardon? The Full Breakdown
The question — how many people did Biden pardon — has a specific answer, but the context is critical.
- Full Presidential Pardons: Approximately 80 individuals have received full pardons from President Biden since taking office in January 2021.
- Commutations Granted: Over 4,000 federal inmates have had their sentences reduced or changed.
- Single-Day Record: On December 12, 2024, Biden issued 39 pardons and more than 1,500 commutations, marking the largest clemency action on a single day in recent U.S. history.
- Thematic Actions: Several pardons were granted to broad groups of people — for example, those convicted of simple federal marijuana possession, giving relief to thousands of Americans at once.
In total, Biden’s clemency program has touched more lives than any presidential administration since World War II.
Why Biden’s Approach to Pardons Is Different
Biden’s philosophy on pardons and commutations has centered on criminal justice reform and equity. Rather than focusing on politically connected individuals, he has largely targeted people serving long or outdated sentences for nonviolent crimes.
1. Prioritizing Drug-Related Sentences
Biden’s clemency initiatives focused heavily on individuals convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses. Many of these cases involved harsh mandatory minimum sentences imposed decades ago.
2. Group-Based Pardons
Instead of reviewing petitions one by one, the administration granted broad relief to entire categories of offenders. For example, Biden pardoned thousands for simple marijuana possession, stating that “no one should be in federal prison for using or possessing marijuana.”
3. Restoring Rights and Opportunities
Biden’s pardons were not only about freedom — they also restored civil rights, allowing recipients to vote, apply for housing, and rebuild their lives. This focus on rehabilitation and reentry reflects a shift toward social and economic reintegration rather than punishment.
4. Addressing Racial Inequities
Biden has repeatedly stated that his clemency decisions are intended to help address racial disparities in the criminal justice system. His administration emphasized reviewing cases where sentencing practices disproportionately affected communities of color.
Notable Moments in Biden’s Clemency Record
The December 2024 Clemency Announcement
One of the most significant moments came in December 2024, when President Biden granted more than 1,500 commutations and nearly 40 pardons in a single act. Most recipients were individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses, particularly those who had demonstrated good behavior or completed rehabilitation programs.
Marijuana Possession Pardons
Biden’s 2022 decision to pardon all federal offenders convicted of simple marijuana possession marked a turning point in national drug policy. It paved the way for similar actions at the state level and helped fuel bipartisan calls for marijuana law reform.
Veterans and Public Servant Pardons
Biden also granted several pardons to U.S. military veterans and first responders who had served sentences for nonviolent crimes, citing their commitment to public service and rehabilitation.
The Numbers in Perspective
To understand the significance of Biden’s clemency actions, it’s useful to compare his record with recent presidents:
| President | Pardons | Commutations | Total Clemency Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | 94 | 117 | 211 |
| Barack Obama | 212 | 1,715 | 1,927 |
| Joe Biden | 80 | 4,000+ | 4,080+ |
These numbers highlight that while Biden’s total number of pardons is modest, his commutations are record-breaking. The administration’s focus has been on releasing individuals still behind bars rather than merely forgiving those already free.
Public Reaction and Political Response
Support for Biden’s Clemency Policies
Supporters view Biden’s clemency record as a moral and necessary correction to decades of harsh sentencing laws. Civil rights groups, criminal justice advocates, and bipartisan lawmakers praised the president for prioritizing fairness, mercy, and rehabilitation.
Advocates also highlight that Biden’s approach reflects modern attitudes toward criminal justice reform, aligning with widespread public support for giving second chances to nonviolent offenders.
Criticism and Controversy
Critics argue that Biden’s focus on drug offenses ignores other categories of injustice, such as white-collar or immigration-related cases. Some conservative lawmakers claim the large-scale commutations could undermine deterrence and public safety, though the administration notes that all recipients were thoroughly vetted.
Others have accused the president of being too cautious in granting full pardons, suggesting that 80 pardons in four years represents an underuse of executive authority.
Why These Pardons Matter for Biden’s Legacy
President Biden’s use of clemency powers reflects a key part of his broader agenda: criminal justice reform and second chances. His pardons and commutations signal a shift away from the “tough on crime” politics of the 1990s — an era in which Biden himself helped draft stricter laws — and toward a more compassionate, restorative model of justice.
These actions also highlight his attempt to strike a balance between mercy and public accountability. By focusing on rehabilitation, Biden hopes to demonstrate that clemency can serve both justice and social stability.
Looking Ahead: Will Biden’s Successors Continue This Trend?
Biden’s clemency record may set a new precedent for how future presidents approach pardons and commutations. If future administrations continue to treat clemency as a tool for reform rather than personal or political favors, this could reshape how Americans view justice and rehabilitation for decades to come.
Already, several members of Congress have proposed legislation to make clemency review processes more transparent and efficient, potentially building on Biden’s framework.
Conclusion
So, how many people did Biden pardon? The number stands at roughly 80 full pardons, but the true measure of his clemency legacy goes far beyond that figure. Through more than 4,000 commutations and sweeping category-based pardons, Biden’s presidency has marked one of the largest efforts in modern American history to reform and humanize the justice system.
His decisions reflect a clear shift in national priorities — from punishment to opportunity, from condemnation to compassion.
What do you think of President Biden’s approach to pardons and clemency? Was it a fair use of presidential power or too lenient? Share your thoughts below and stay updated as more developments unfold.