Biden Pardons Family in Final Act as President

The pardons cover Biden’s siblings and their spouses.

President Joe Biden speaks about the Israel–Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal, in North Charleston, S.C., on Jan. 19, 2025. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

Former President Joe Biden’s final act as president was to preemptively pardon several members of his family.

The sweeping pardon covers the president’s brother, James B. Biden; sister-in-law, Sara Jones Biden; sister, Valerie Biden Owens; brother-in-law, John T. Owens; and brother, Francis W. Biden. The pardons were announced minutes before President Donald Trump was sworn in.