Biden Grants Historic Clemency to 1,500

President Biden has made headlines by granting clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals, the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history, focusing on those convicted of non-violent crimes, especially drug offenses. This move has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising it as a step towards criminal justice reform while others criticize it for including controversial figures, such as a former judge involved in a major corruption scandal and a convicted embezzler. In addition to pardons, Biden has been accused of cynically undermining the incoming Trump administration by selling off unused materials meant for the border wall. Critics describe Biden as disengaged from pressing issues, pointing to his recent travels and the ongoing drone concerns. Some commentators argue that while Biden's economic policies have laid groundwork for future U.S. exceptionalism, they remain overshadowed by his administration's chaotic transition. Despite the clemency actions, there are concerns that Biden has not adequately addressed the backlog of clemency petitions from his presidency.