So you're wondering about Biden pardons? You're not alone. After Trump's headline-grabbing clemency spree, everyone's watching what Biden does. I've been tracking presidential pardons since the Obama years, and honestly? Biden's approach surprised me. Let's break down exactly how many Biden pardons we've seen and what they really mean.
Quick Fact: As of September 2023, Biden has granted 78 pardons. That includes both full pardons and commutations. Compared to Trump's 237 or Obama's 1,927? Yeah, it's a big difference.
Understanding Presidential Pardons 101
Before we dive into Biden's numbers, let's get clear on what pardons actually do. A presidential pardon wipes away federal convictions like they never happened. It restores voting rights, gun ownership rights, and employment opportunities. Commutations? Those just shorten sentences without erasing convictions.
I remember talking to a guy named Mark last year who got a commutation under Trump. He kept saying "I'm free but still branded." That distinction matters.
Biden's Pardon Philosophy: Slow and Steady
Biden's team clearly favors targeted pardons over mass clemency. They've focused on three categories:
- Non-violent drug offenders (especially crack cocaine cases)
- People convicted under outdated laws (like "simple possession" marijuana charges)
- Symbolic pardons restoring civil rights (like WWII conscientious objectors)
They're big on "righting historical wrongs" rather than flashy celebrity pardons. Whether you like that depends on your politics.
Personal Take: Honestly? I wish they'd move faster. I volunteered with prison reform groups and saw how the pardon backlog destroys lives. One guy waited 12 years for his application to even get reviewed. The system's broken.
The Actual Biden Pardon Numbers
Let's get to what you searched for: how many Biden pardons have occurred during his presidency. Here's the official count through late 2023:
| Year | Full Pardons | Commutations | Total Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 6 | 31 | 37 |
| 2023 (to Sept) | 14 | 24 | 38 |
| Total | 23 | 55 | 78 |
That total pardon count (78) includes both Thanksgiving 2022 and April 2023 batches. The White House releases them in groups, not individually. Makes tracking tough.
Funny story - I actually drove to D.C. when they announced the marijuana pardons in 2022. Talked to activists handing out joints near the White House fence. One guy told me "Biden gave me back my future." Small step, but real impact.
Breaking Down the Categories
Not all pardons are equal. Here's where Biden's focused his pardons:
Top 3 Categories of Biden Pardons
- Non-violent drug offenses (71%): Mostly crack cocaine convictions from the 90s "war on drugs" era
- Marijuana possession (15%): Symbolic pardons for federal simple possession charges
- Restoration of rights (14%): Posthumous pardons for historical figures like WWII objectors
Notice what's missing? High-profile political allies. Unlike Trump's Roger Stone pardon or Clinton's Marc Rich scandal, Biden's avoided those landmines.
How Biden Compares to Other Presidents
When we talk about Biden pardon numbers, context matters. Here's how he stacks up against modern presidents through their first terms:
| President | Full Pardons | Commutations | Total Actions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barack Obama | 64 | 1,715 | 1,927 | Mass clemency initiative in final year |
| Donald Trump | 89 | 94 | 237 | Included controversial allies |
| George W. Bush | 189 | 11 | 200 | Pardoned Scooter Libby |
| Joe Biden (to date) | 23 | 55 | 78 | Focus on drug offenses |
Here's what jumps out: Biden's lagging behind. Even "tough on crime" presidents like Bush issued more pardons faster. Why? Some blame the DOJ's backlog. Others say Biden's being overly cautious.
The Trump Comparison Everyone's Making
Since Trump dominates news cycles, people constantly compare their pardon records. Trump granted:
- 65 pardons on his last day alone
- Clemency for 44 rappers, athletes and celebrities
- Pardons for political allies (Steve Bannon, Roger Stone)
Biden? Zero celebrity pardons. Zero political allies. Mostly unknown people convicted under harsh drug laws. Different priorities entirely.
The Real Process: Applying for a Biden Pardon
Say you or someone you know wants clemency. How does it actually work under Biden? Having helped with applications, I can tell you it's not quick.
Roadmap to a Possible Pardon
- Wait 5+ years after completing sentence (no exceptions)
- Submit 40+ page application to DOJ's pardon attorney
- FBI background check (takes 6-18 months)
- DOJ review (another 12-24 months)
- White House counsel final vetting
Total timeline? Typically 3-7 years. And that's before Biden even sees your petition. The bottleneck's real.
Who Actually Gets Approved
Based on the 78 pardons granted, successful applicants usually have:
| Factor | Importance Level | Examples from Granted Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Non-violent offense | Essential | Drug possession, minor fraud |
| Post-sentence conduct | Critical | Steady employment, community service |
| Evidence of rehabilitation | High | Drug counseling certificates, character letters |
| Harsh original sentence | Moderate | Mandatory minimums from 1980s-90s |
Funny enough, writing a letter to the president doesn't help. I know a guy who sent 47 handwritten letters. His application's still gathering dust since 2018.
Controversies and Criticisms
Not everyone loves Biden's approach. Major critiques include:
- Too slow: At current pace, he'd need 16 terms to match Obama's numbers
- Ignores state prisoners: Pardons only help federal inmates (just 10% of prison population)
- Symbolic gestures: Marijuana pardons didn't release anyone from jail
Reform advocates want mass pardons for non-violent offenders. Law enforcement worries about recidivism. Biden's caught in the middle.
My Frustration: Last year I met a woman serving 25 years for a first-time crack offense in 1993. She ticks all Biden's boxes, but her application hasn't moved. The system's failing people like her every day.
Future Projections: What's Next for Biden Pardons
If Biden wins a second term, expect pardons to increase. Why? History shows presidents grant 84% of pardons in their final two years. Offices usually accelerate clemency as elections approach.
Insiders predict two trends:
- More marijuana pardons: Possibly expanding beyond simple possession
- Larger batches: DOJ's reviewing 15,000 backlogged petitions right now
Could we see thousands pardoned? Possibly. But I'll believe it when I see the paperwork signed.
The State-Level Workaround
Since federal pardons are rare, many focus on state clemency boards. Places like California and Pennsylvania approve hundreds annually. Better odds than waiting on Biden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biden Pardons
How many pardons did Biden issue in 2023?
Through September 2023, Biden issued 38 clemency actions - 14 pardons and 24 commutations. That makes 2023 his most active year so far.
Did Biden pardon anyone for January 6th crimes?
Zero pardons for January 6th defendants. All Biden pardons have been for non-violent drug offenses or outdated convictions.
How many presidential pardons did Biden grant for marijuana?
In October 2022, he pardoned about 6,500 people convicted of "simple possession" under federal law. But technically these were blanket pardons covering groups.
Can Biden pardon state crimes?
No. Presidential pardons only apply to federal offenses. State governors handle state crimes - which is why you see more action there.
Who was Biden's most controversial pardon?
Hard to say - he's avoided truly controversial ones. Some criticized pardoning a former Secret Service agent convicted for bribery, but it lacked the drama of Trump-era pardons.
The Bottom Line on Biden Clemency
When you tally up all the Biden pardons and commutations, we're looking at 78 official acts as of late 2023. That's fewer than any modern president at this stage. But the nature matters too:
- Focused on non-violent drug offenders
- Prioritizes racial justice in drug sentencing
- Avoids political cronyism
Will he pick up the pace? I hope so. Because right now, thousands of hopeful applicants are stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Knowing exactly how many Biden pardons occur tells only part of the story - what matters more is who's still waiting.
After years covering this, I'll say this: the pardon power's the most underused tool in the Oval Office. Whether you're Republican or Democrat, there's something wrong when we lock people up under laws we've now rejected, then make them beg for forgiveness. But hey, that's just my two cents.
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