Biden should grant pardons to those who were harshly punished for non-violent crimes, according to Jeffries.

Following President Joe Biden's decision to grant a broad pardon to his son Hunter Biden, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., issued a statement urging the president to extend similar clemency to those who have been aggressively prosecuted for nonviolent offenses.

President Joe Biden has spent his life advocating for the betterment of hardworking Americans who struggle to make ends meet, according to Jeffries. These individuals have faced harsh treatment and unjust sentencing for nonviolent offenses, often without proper legal representation. This has resulted in devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities, particularly in areas such as Appalachia, Urban America, and the Heartland.

Jeffries advised President Biden to exercise compassion in his final weeks in office, particularly towards his son, and pardon working-class Americans in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses.

He concluded that this moment demands freedom and equality for everyone.

The president's pardon of Hunter Biden covers more than a decade.

The "Full and Unconditional Pardon" applies to any offenses against the United States that were committed or may have been committed or participated in between January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2024.

Biden has earned blowback, including from some members of his own party.

In a post on X, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., stated that the president's move "prioritized personal interest over duty and further undermines Americans' belief in a fair and equal justice system."

Jared Polis, the governor of Colorado, stated that the pardon would harm the president's standing.

As a father, I understand President @JoeBiden's desire to help his son by pardoning him. However, I am disappointed that he prioritized his family over the country. This sets a dangerous precedent that could be exploited by future presidents and will negatively impact his legacy.