President Biden pardons brother James, other relatives for unspecified crimes before leaving office

[Calista241]

Source: USA Today

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden pardoned his brother James Biden and other relatives Monday for unspecified crimes, a similar last-minute move to protect his family from potential investigation as when he pardoned his son Hunter Biden for gun and tax convictions.

The president said he pardoned his brother and other relatives − James's wife Sara Jones Biden, sister Valerie Biden Owens and her husband John Owens, and another brother, Francis Biden − because of concerns about "baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families," he said in a statement released minutes before the end of his term.

"Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances," Biden said.

House Republicans investigated James Biden as part of an impeachment inquiry against the president. House Republicans urged the Justice Department to charge James Biden criminally for making allegedly false statements to lawmakers.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/20/president-joe-biden-pardons-brother-james/76860098007/

[hueymahl]

1. Well that is interesting

A bit of a surprise too. I am sure it will infuriate and incite the RW conspiracy theorists.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

2. This makes me smile

Link to tweet

President Biden has issued pardons to several of his family members, including:

- James B. Biden
- Sara Jones Biden
- Valerie Biden Owens
- John T. Owens
- Francis W. Biden

These pardons are full and unconditional, covering any nonviolent offenses against the United States committed or participated in from January 1, 2014, through today.

It’s disheartening to see an outgoing president feel compelled to take such drastic measures, potentially out of fear of the incoming administration. This is a sobering moment for our country—I truly fear for America’s future.

[Wiz Imp]

3. Not unspecified crimes - there were NO crimes.

It's preemptive to try to keep the Republicans for going after people just because without any evidence of a crime. Just like with Fauci and the Jan 6 committee and others.

[Marthe48]

4. Throwing as many obstacles in the way as he can

to protect innocents as well as he can.

Wish President Biden well on his next steps.

[Jit423]

5. Good!!

[twodogsbarking]

6. He still needs to pardon his dogs.

[FakeNoose]

8. You got that right! Don't give the Repukes any ideas ...

[twodogsbarking]

9. Harness the energy.

[Hekate]

13. Yes -- keep them well away from Kristi Noem

[LittleGirl]

7. I'm so pissed that he had to issue these!

This is wrong on so many levels. Thankful for your service Biden family.

[Fla Dem]

10. Just disgusting he had to do this. Trump is a low life swine.

Causing a President to protect his family from a corrupt President. Unbelievable.

[MichMan]

11. Is Jack Smith SOL?

[andym]

12. Call them phantom pardons for phantom crimes that don't exist. NT.