President Joe Biden has a few weeks left before his term ends on January 20, 2025. As his time in office wraps up, some are urging him to use his power to grant pardons—for his family, for people caught up in political controversies, and for others who might need a fresh start. Let’s take a look at who could be on his list and why.
1. Hunter Biden
The president’s son, Hunter, has been in legal trouble for years. He was convicted of three federal gun charges after admitting he owned a firearm illegally while struggling with drug addiction. Hunter also pleaded guilty to several tax-related charges.
So far, the White House says President Biden doesn’t plan to pardon his son. But with nothing to lose politically, some wonder if he might change his mind before stepping down. Just last Friday, Biden was spotted having dinner with Hunter and family in Massachusetts.
2. Trump’s Legal Foes
Donald Trump has made it clear he plans to target those who brought legal cases against him. That includes special counsel Jack Smith, who led investigations into Trump’s alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents.
To protect these officials from Trump’s potential revenge, some Democrats are asking Biden to preemptively pardon them. For example, Senator Ed Markey said, “If it’s obvious Trump’s planning payback, Biden should step in to protect these people.”
Among those Biden could pardon are Smith, other prosecutors, and even public figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, who faced criticism during the pandemic.
3. Donald Trump Himself
This one is tricky. Trump faces several legal battles, including cases about hush money payments and election interference. While a pardon wouldn’t affect state-level charges, it could shield Trump from federal ones.
If Biden pardons Trump, he could frame it as a way to heal the country, just like President Gerald Ford did for Richard Nixon after Watergate. But it would likely upset many Democrats and even some Republicans.
4. Julian Assange
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been in legal trouble for sharing classified U.S. information. He recently accepted a plea deal over Espionage Act violations.
Support for Assange’s pardon comes from across the political spectrum. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has urged Biden to let Assange return home to Australia. Others, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have called Assange a “heroic whistleblower.”
5. Reducing Mass Incarceration
Progressive lawmakers want Biden to use his final days to grant widespread pardons to people in federal prisons. These include those serving long sentences for nonviolent or victimless crimes.
A letter from Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Jim Clyburn urged Biden to take bold action. “Now is the time to fix these unjust sentences,” they wrote. Clyburn added, “It’s shocking how many people are in prison for things that hurt no one.”
What’s Next?
With the clock ticking, President Biden has big decisions to make. His choices could spark debate for years to come. Whether it’s helping his son, addressing Trump-related issues, or reducing prison sentences, one thing’s for sure—his final weeks in office won’t be boring!
What do you think about these potential pardons? Would they help bring unity or cause more division? Let’s hear your thoughts!
