Biden pardons family members before leaving office


WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Joe Biden pardoned multiple family members on Monday, shortly before he left office as the 46th president of the United States.

"My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me -- the worst kind of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

"Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families," he said. "Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances."

"That is why I am exercising my power under the Constitution to pardon James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden," Biden said.

He added that the issuance of these pardons "should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense."

In early December, Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted for gun related charges and federal tax evasion charges, sparking widespread criticism.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Anti-government protest halts air traffic in Belgium
Several injured after car drives into people in Munich
Humanitarian catastrophe looms in east Congo as rebels push south, official says
Europeans seek Ukraine talks role after Trump calls Putin
Russian drones hit Ukraine port, Moldova says drones exploded on its soil
There must be no imposed peace in Ukraine, says Germany's Scholz
Factbox-What do we know about the Putin-Trump relationship?
German foreign minister: Europe needs to be involved in Ukraine talks
NATO's Rutte says Kyiv must be involved in everything about Ukraine
Australia's 50 richest now control $153 billion as Rinehart tops list again

Others Also Read