President Joe Biden has officially granted a historic pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing serious legal challenges related to two criminal cases. This landmark decision represents a significant shift from President Biden’s previous commitments, where he had publicly vowed not to utilize his executive powers to grant a pardon or commute the sentence of his son, creating a complex legal and political landscape.

“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” the 82-year-old President stated on Sunday, Dec. 1. He elaborated, “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 expressed hope that the American public would understand the difficult position of a father who is also the President in making such a critical decision.

Hunter, now 54 years old, was facing the possibility of spending several years in federal prison due to serious allegations involving gun possession and tax fraud. The pardon he received is classified as a “full and unconditional pardon,” which is significant under the law, and has incited considerable backlash from political opponents, especially within the GOP. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly condemned this decision, labeling it as “an abuse and miscarriage of justice,” igniting further debate on the implications of presidential pardons.

As the news surrounding Biden’s controversial pardon continues to develop, it’s imperative to examine the history of pardons issued by previous administrations. Below, we take a retrospective look at the notable pardons granted by Trump during his first presidential term and the ramifications of these decisions.

Understanding the Presidential Pardon Power: What It Means and How It Works

A federal pardon is a significant power endowed to the president of the United States, as outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. This clemency power enables the President to pardon individuals for any federal crime, with the exception of offenses related to impeachment. The ability to issue pardons is a critical aspect of the executive branch’s authority and plays a vital role in the American justice system.

Clemency actions encompass various forms, including amnesty, reprieves, commutations, and pardons, with the latter being the most comprehensive form of relief available. A full pardon not only absolves the individual of their punishment but also restores their civil rights, such as the right to vote, the ability to run for public office, and eligibility to serve on a jury, thereby reintegrating them into society fully.

Exploring the Number of Pardons Issued by Trump During His Presidency

Throughout his four-year tenure in the White House, from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, President Trump issued a staggering total of 237 acts of clemency. This total includes 143 pardons and 94 commutations, reflecting his administration’s approach to criminal justice and clemency. Each pardon and commutation has drawn varying levels of public attention and controversy, shaping the narrative around his presidency.

Highlighting Key Individuals Pardoned by Trump

Among the most notable figures pardoned by Trump, several high-profile individuals stand out. These include:

• Steve Bannon
• Lil Wayne
• Kodak Black
• Jack Johnson
• Michael Flynn
• George Papadopoulos
• Roger Stone
• Albert Pirro
• Paul Manafort
• Charles Kushner

For those interested in exploring the complete list of individuals who received pardons from Trump, it can be found on the official Department of Justice website, providing transparency and insight into his administration’s clemency decisions.

Identifying Individuals Seeking Pardons in Trump’s Potential Second Term

Several individuals have emerged, actively requesting pardons in anticipation of Trump’s potential second term. These include:

• Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs: Currently imprisoned after being convicted of seditious conspiracy linked to the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Netflix’s Tiger King star Joe Exotic: Serving a 21-year sentence for his involvement in a murder-for-hire conspiracy against Carole Baskin and additional animal abuse charges.
• Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder: Convicted of orchestrating a racketeering conspiracy and accepting $60 million in bribes, leading to a 20-year prison sentence.
• TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley: Sentenced in November 2022 for defrauding community banks out of over $30 million through fraudulent loans, currently serving a combined 19-year prison term.
• Rapper Boosie Badazz: Originally arrested during a traffic stop for firearm possession, he faces new charges related to drug offenses that have emerged from the initial case.