Biden sets presidential pardons, commutations record as he commutes almost 2,500 more sentences
CBSJAN 13
Biden Sets Record with 2.5K Drug Offense Commutations
Above:Â US Pres. Joe Biden delivers remarks at the US Conference of Mayors during the 93rd winter meeting in Washington, DC, on Jan. 17, 2025. Â Image copyright:Â Ting Shen/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The commutations represent a crucial step toward correcting historical injustices in the criminal justice system, particularly addressing the racist impact of disparate sentencing between crack and powder cocaine offenses that has devastated Black communities for generations. Through his use of clemency, Biden has cemented himself as a defender of criminal justice reform and rehabilitation.
Republican narrative
The sweeping use of clemency powers, particularly the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden and commutation of death row sentences, represents an overreach of presidential authority and potentially undermines the justice system. These actions appear politically motivated rather than focused on genuine criminal justice reform, and underscore the lack of concern the Democrats have for law and order.