Shortly before Joe Biden was sworn in into office, President Donald Trump pardoned over 70 people and replaced more lenient sentences for 70 more individuals. But the former sitting president did not grant a pardon to himself or to any of his family members.
People who were granted a full pardon include Steven Bannon and rapper Lil Wayne. Published on the White House’s official website is a list of 73 presidential pardons and 70 commutations.
Other individuals were given commutations, or substitutions for a lesser sentence, including rapper Kodak Black and former mayor of Detroit, both of whom had the support from religious and community leaders.
The power to pardon applies to federal crimes and is one of the broadest powers available to the president. Other branches of government cannot review the president’s decision to pardon. Presidential pardons are typically given to people who have already been prosecuted, but can also cover for conduct that has not yet resulted in legal proceedings.
