'Another way to get votes': Biden slammed after POTUS grants clemency to 16 non-violent drug offenders

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Joe Biden announced offering clemency to 16 convicted non-violent drug offenders on Wednesday, April 24, over the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Among them, 11 people received pardons and 5 had their sentences commuted.

The decision comes at a time when Biden has been facing pressure from congressional Democrats to remove marijuana from a list of Schedule 1 controlled substances like heroin and LSD, reported the Daily Mail.

According to the publication, the White House stated that the incumbent is using his authority "to advance equal justice under law," with the list focusing on people who either served time or got long sentences under decades-old crime laws that he helped shape as a senator.

President Joe Biden's tweet

Biden posted a 3-post chain on the platform, which began, "Today, I am using my clemency power to pardon 11 individuals and commute the sentences of 5 individuals who were convicted of non-violent drug offenses. These recipients have shown that they deserve forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future beyond prison walls."

"America was founded on the promise of second chances," he continued in the next post. "My commitment to rehabilitation and successful reentry for those returning to their communities after incarceration is ironclad. I'm focused on building a justice system that ensures everyone is treated equally under the law."

"While today’s announcement marks important and continued progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms in a manner that advances equal justice, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances," he added.

Internet reacts to Joe Biden's announcement

Netizens were not pleased with the president's announcement and slammed the move as an effort to ramp up support ahead of the 2024 elections, as the following comments on the Daily Mail website suggest.

"Oh, sure, Joey. Another way for you to get your votes," a reader wrote sarcastically, while another echoed, "That’s 16 more votes that he desperately needs."

"Drug dealers who ruin individuals lives, tear families apart who have to deal with an addicted family member and have caused the eventual death of addicted people they sell to deserve NO FORGIVENESS, Mr. President," stated a third.

"Hunter needs a new dealer so here you go..." jibed another.

"Wow. Biden just doesn't cease to amaze. He is a real miracle worker: he makes Trump look like a viable candidate for POTUS," quipped a fifth.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.