President Joe Biden granted a total of 80 pardons during his four-year tenure, alongside 4,165 commutations, making a total of 4,245 acts of clemency. His pardons are relatively few compared to other presidents, but he is notable for a record number of commutations. Some of Biden's pardons included "preemptive pardons" for prominent individuals not charged with crimes to protect them from potential future prosecutions. Biden also granted pardons by proclamation to people convicted of certain federal marijuana offenses and former military service members convicted of violating a ban on consensual gay sex. Notably, he pardoned his son Hunter Biden and issued several pardons on his last day in office, including family members and members of a House committee related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. In summary:
- Total pardons: 80
- Total commutations: 4,165
- Total acts of clemency: 4,245
- Included high-profile preemptive pardons and pardons by proclamation
- Pardoned his son Hunter Biden
- Issued many pardons and commutations late in his presidency, including on his final day.
