President Joe Biden pardons 39 Americans from non-violent crimes, defers 1500 sentences

US President Joe Biden has issued 39 presidential pardons and granted clemency to over 1500 people in the US, in another massive use of powers in his final weeks of office.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Mr Biden said.

“As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offences.”

Mr Biden revealed the pardons were granted to people who “have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer.”

“I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences – many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today’s laws, policies, and practices.”

Mr Biden said he planned to take “more steps in the weeks ahead”.

Adding: “My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions.”

The White House said Americans given relief from Mr Biden include:

• A decorated military veteran and pilot who spends much of his time helping his fellow church members who are in poor health or unable to perform strenuous tasks;

• A nurse who has led emergency response for several natural disasters and who helped spearhead vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

• An addiction counsellor who volunteers his time to help young people find their purpose, make better choices, and refrain from destructive behaviours and gang involvement.

The pardons and clemency comes just weeks after Mr Biden caused a stir in the US by using the presidential powers to pardon his son Hunter.

The democratic leader, who will end his presidency when President-elect Donald Trump assumes power in January, had previously maintained that he would not issue a pardon to his son over gun and tax evasion charges.

However, after Thanksgiving, Mr Biden issued a statement to the White House website confirming the pardon had been signed.

“I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” he said.

“From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.

“Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.

“Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.”

Mr Trump reacted angrily after Mr Biden backflipped and issued the presidential pardon for his son.

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Mr Trump labelled the move an “abuse and miscarriage of justice”.

Mr Trump also pointed to the imprisonment of those convicted of the January 6 Capitol riots and asked whether they too would be pardoned.

“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” he wrote.