President Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases. The decision marks an unprecedented reversal, as President Biden had previously—and repeatedly—promised not to use his executive authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.
“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” the 82-year-old stated on Sunday, Dec. 1. “I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” Biden added. “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”
Hunter, 54, had been facing potential years in federal prison due to multiple charges related to gun possession and tax fraud. The pardon, described as a “full and unconditional pardon” in the executive grant of clemency, has sparked backlash, particularly from the GOP. President-elect Donald Trump called the decision “an abuse and miscarriage of justice.”
As news of Biden’s pardon unfolds, here’s a look back at Trump’s own pardons from his first presidential term and more, below.
What Is a Pardon?
A federal pardon is a power granted to the president of the United States under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. This clemency power allows the president to pardon all federal criminal offenses, except those related to impeachment.
Acts of clemency encompass amnesty, reprieves, commutations, and pardons—the most extensive form of relief. A full pardon absolves the individual from punishment and reinstates their civil rights, such as the right to vote, run for office, and serve on a jury.
How Many Pardons Did Trump Issue in His First Term?
During his four years in the White House, from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, Trump issued a total of 237 acts of clemency, which included 143 pardons and 94 commutations.
Who Did Trump Pardon?
Some of Trump’s most high-profile pardons include:
- Steve Bannon
- Lil Wayne
- Kodak Black
- Jack Johnson
- Michael Flynn
- George Papadopoulos
- Roger Stone
- Albert Pirro
- Paul Manafort
- Charles Kushner
The full list of individuals pardoned by Trump can be found on the Department of Justice website here.
Who’s Requesting Pardons for Trump’s Second Term?
Some of the individuals requesting pardons for Trump’s second term include:
- Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs: Currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted of seditious conspiracy for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot.
- Netflix’s Tiger King star Joe Exotic: Sentenced to 21 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin and charges of animal abuse.
- Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder: Found guilty of leading a racketeering conspiracy and accepting $60 million in bribes connected to FirstEnergy Corp., resulting in a 20-year prison sentence.
- TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley: Sentenced in November 2022 after being convicted of defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans, and are both serving a combined 19-year sentence.
- Rapper Boosie Badazz: Arrested during a traffic stop for possession of a firearm shortly before performing in San Diego, California. The original case was dismissed on July 12, but new charges—including drug dealing—were brought against him on July 19, linked to the initial case.