At the buzzer…
According to a New York Post report, outgoing President Joe Biden has pardoned his brother James at the 11th hour, effectively ending the Biden influence-peddling probe.
Republicans have accused James Biden of lying to Congress and requested criminal charges. They also accused him of unregistered foreign lobbying.
“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,” the outgoing president said in a statement minutes before leaving office.
“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. 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.”
Biden added: “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. 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.”
This story is developing…
With just a few minutes left in his presidency, Joe Biden issues "a full and unconditional pardon" of his family.
You’ll notice James Biden’s name is listed here. pic.twitter.com/SvTboE47Hh
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) January 20, 2025