President Joe Biden pardoned the brothers and other family members on Monday, just before President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in.

In one of his final acts as president, Biden pardoned his brother Frank, his other brother James, James’ wife Sarah Biden, and his sister Valerie Owens and her husband John Owens. James and Frank were involved in business dealings with Hunter Biden’s overseas partners.

“I believe in the rule of law, and I’m optimistic that ultimately the strength of our legal institutions will trump politics,” Biden said. statement Announced by the White House. “However, baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and economic security of the targeted individuals and their families, even if the individuals have done nothing wrong. Even if someone is ultimately acquitted, the mere fact that they are investigated or prosecuted can cause irreparable damage to their reputation and finances.”

“That is why I am exercising my constitutional authority to pardon James B. Biden, Sarah Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden.” The statement continues. “The issuance of these pardons should not be misconstrued as an admission that they have engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance of a pardon be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any crime.”

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information.

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