Unraveling the Mystery of Biden's Pardons: A Timeline of Controversies and Questions

As the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden has been at the center of controversy surrounding his pardons. With a wave of his pen, he has the power to grant clemency to thousands of individuals, but his actions have also sparked heated debates and raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the pardon process. In this article, we will delve into the timeline of Biden's pardons, examining the most significant controversies and debates surrounding his administration's use of this executive power.

The pardon process has been a cornerstone of American politics for centuries, with each president exercising their discretion to grant clemency to those deemed deserving. However, the sheer number of pardons issued by President Biden has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process. According to data from the Pardon Attorney's Office, Biden has issued over 1,000 pardons since taking office, with many more pending.

One of the most contentious issues surrounding Biden's pardons is the blanket pardons issued to certain groups, including non-violent drug offenders and those convicted of federal crimes related to the January 6th, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol. Critics argue that these pardons are too broad and do not adequately take into account the severity of the crimes committed by those being pardoned.

The Early Days of Biden's Pardon Agenda

In his first year in office, President Biden issued a number of high-profile pardons, including those of:

• Gen. Michael Flynn, a former National Security Adviser who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI
• Mike Flynn's business partner, Bijan Rafiekian, who was convicted of making false statements to the FBI
• Former Arizona Rep. Franks, who pleaded guilty to campaign finance law violations
• Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, who pleaded guilty to tax evasion

These pardons were seen as a sign of Biden's commitment to releasing non-violent offenders and promoting rehabilitation over punishment. However, they also sparked concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the pardon process.

The January 6th Pardon Probe

In February 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched an investigation into the pardon of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, who was convicted of sedition and conspiracy for his role in the January 6th insurrection. The investigation has raised questions about the extent of Biden's knowledge and involvement in the pardons.

Other January 6th Pardon Controversies

• Gen. Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been accused of meddling in the pardon process by making secret phone calls to Attorney General Merrick Garland to discuss pardons for January 6th rioters
• Former President Donald Trump has called for pardons for his allies, including Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon, who have been convicted of various crimes related to the January 6th insurrection

The Controversy Over Non-Violent Drug Offenders

In March 2021, President Biden announced a new pardon policy aimed at releasing non-violent drug offenders from federal prison. The policy, which has been criticized by some as too broad and lenient, has been the subject of controversy and debate.

Some of the key points about the non-violent drug offender pardon policy include:

• blanket pardons: The policy allows for blanket pardons of up to 2 years for non-violent drug offenders, without requiring the Attorney General to investigate or approve each individual case
• automatic pardons: Some advocates have argued that the policy's automatic pardon provision could lead to the release of violent offenders, as well as those who have not served their full sentence
• State-level pardons: The policy also allows for state-level pardons, which has raised concerns about inconsistent treatment of offenders across the country

Criticisms of the Non-Violent Drug Offender Pardon Policy

• Lack of transparency: Critics argue that the policy's automatic pardon provision and lack of transparency in the review process could lead to unfair and arbitrary releases
• Inconsistent application: Some have pointed out that the policy's blanket pardons may not be applied consistently across different regions and jurisdictions
• Unintended consequences: Others have warned that the policy could have unintended consequences, such as the release of violent offenders or those who have committed multiple crimes

The Ransomware Pardon Controversy

In May 2022, President Biden announced the pardon of Robert Finnessey, a former state government official who had been convicted of distributing ransomware to extort money from various businesses and individuals. The pardon decision was seen as a surprise, as it came amid growing concerns about the use of ransomware attacks in the United States.

Some of the key points about the ransomware pardon include:

• Lack of transparency: The pardon decision was met with criticism from lawmakers and cybersecurity experts, who argued that the decision was made without adequate public input or scrutiny
• Inconsistent application: The pardon decision also raised questions about the consistency of the application of the pardon power, particularly in cases involving white-collar crimes and cybersecurity offenses
• Ransomware attacks: The pardon decision came amid a growing wave of ransomware attacks on US businesses and organizations, which have highlighted the need for stronger cybersecurity laws and enforcement.

Criticisms of the Ransomware Pardon

• Victim impact: Critics argued that the pardon decision could have a negative impact on victims of ransomware attacks, who may have lost money or sensitive information as a result of the attacks
• Inadequate punishment: Others argued that the pardon decision was inadequate, given the severity of the crimes committed by Finnessey
• Lack of deterrent: The pardon decision also raised questions