Biden Grants Pardons to Family Members Over Fears of Political Retaliation by Trump
In a dramatic move just before his presidency ended, President Joe Biden issued pardons for five members of his family, citing concerns over politically motivated attacks from incoming President Donald Trump.
With less than 20 minutes remaining in his term, Biden granted pardons to his brother, James B. Biden; his sister, Valerie Biden Owens; James’ wife, Sara Jones Biden; Valerie’s husband, John T. Owens; and his other brother, Francis W. Biden.
In a heartfelt farewell statement, Biden explained that the pardons were a protective measure, not an admission of guilt. He expressed deep concerns over what he called “unrelenting attacks and threats” aimed at his family, driven by partisan politics.
“My family has faced continuous threats and attacks, motivated by a desire to harm me — the worst form of political opposition,” Biden wrote. “Sadly, I have no reason to believe these attacks will cease.”
The announcement came as Biden entered the Capitol Rotunda to witness Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th president, marking the conclusion of Biden’s five-decade-long political career.
The pardons came shortly after the controversial pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and underscored the deep political rift between Biden and Trump. Biden had long warned of the dangers Trump posed to American democracy, even as he maintained his commitment to the rule of law.
Addressing the potential conflict between his actions and his principles, Biden acknowledged the challenges the pardons might present to the concept of legal fairness.
“I believe in the rule of law and remain hopeful that the strength of our legal institutions will prevail over political pressures,” Biden stated. “However, politically motivated investigations can devastate the lives, safety, and financial security of individuals and their families. Even when individuals are ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, the damage to their reputation and finances can be irreversible.”
The pardons, issued at the end of his presidency, reflected Biden’s concerns about the incoming administration and his continued distrust of Trump’s political agenda.
