Biden Pardons Family, Commutes Peltier's Sentence

In a significant final act as President, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to five family members, including his brothers James and Francis, his sister Valerie, and their spouses. These pardons, granted just before Donald Trump’s inauguration, aim to shield them from politically motivated investigations, which Biden believes are attempts to damage his legacy. The pardons are not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, as emphasized by Biden in a statement asserting his belief in the rule of law amid partisan attacks. Biden also commuted the life sentence of Native American activist Leonard Peltier, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement. This move concludes years of advocacy for Peltier's release, citing misconduct in his original trial. The pardons have sparked discussions about their implications, particularly in the political climate following Biden's administration.