Before Trump’s inauguration, Biden preemptively pardoned five members of his family
Before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of the United States, Joe Biden pardoned his relatives: brothers James and Francis, Francis’ wife Sarah Jones Biden, as well as sister Valerie Biden-Owens and her husband John Owens. About this informs Reuters.
Biden emphasized his belief in the rule of law and noted that US legal institutions have the ability to defeat politically motivated prosecutions. He explained that unfounded investigations or lawsuits harm the lives, safety and financial situation not only of those under investigation, but also of their families. Even if a person is not guilty and is later acquitted, the very fact of prosecution can cause serious damage to their reputation and finances.
Biden also commuted the life sentence given to Native American activist Leonard Peltier, who served nearly five decades in federal prison for the 1975 murders of two FBI agents. Peltier will serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest.
Biden made the decision to pardon relatives only 20 minutes before Trump’s inauguration. He also previously pardoned his son Hunter and individuals unrelated to his family.
