Biden Pardons His Siblings in Final Moments of Presidency

President Joe Biden issued pardons to several family members and close allies just minutes before leaving office on Monday. The White House announced the pardons, which apply to Biden’s siblings James Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John Owens, and Francis Biden, as a preemptive measure against what Biden described as “politically motivated investigations.”

“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics,” Biden stated. “But baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families.”

The pardons come amidst growing scrutiny of Biden’s family, particularly James Biden, who faced criminal referrals from House Republicans. In June, the House Oversight Committee accused James Biden and Hunter Biden of making false statements to Congress during the impeachment inquiry into the president.

House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) had previously called on the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute James Biden for his alleged actions. The president’s decision to preemptively pardon his siblings has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents accusing Biden of shielding his family from accountability.

In addition to his siblings, Biden issued pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and individuals associated with the House select committee on January 6. These actions add to the growing list of controversial end-of-term pardons, including a blanket pardon for Hunter Biden, the president’s embattled son.

Biden had long insisted he would not intervene on Hunter’s behalf but ultimately reversed course. The White House claimed the pardon was prompted by Hunter paying his back taxes, though critics called it a blatant political maneuver to protect his legacy.

The pardons have sparked widespread condemnation, with critics on both sides of the aisle denouncing Biden’s actions as undermining his credibility and the integrity of his office.

“Everyone looks stupid,” said Pod Save America co-host and former Obama aide Tommy Vietor. “Everyone looks like they are full of s---. And Republicans are going to use this to argue it was politics as usual when Democrats warned of Trump’s corruption.”

Biden’s final-day pardons are likely to follow him long after he has left the White House, casting a shadow over his presidency. By extending protections to family members and political allies, he has ignited a fierce debate about the role of presidential pardons and the ethical boundaries of executive power.

As Republicans take control of Congress, they are expected to intensify their investigations into Biden’s family and administration, using the president’s last-minute pardons as evidence of systemic corruption.

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