President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals on Friday, primarily for drug-related offenses, further establishing his record for the most clemency grants in presidential history. This action follows a similar large-scale commutation last month and underscores the administration's focus on addressing what it considers disproportionately harsh sentences, particularly for drug crimes.

The White House stated that these commutations aim to rectify sentencing disparities stemming from outdated drug laws, particularly those related to crack and powder cocaine. President Biden echoed this sentiment, referencing the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act as evidence of Congress's recognition of the need for reform in this area.

This decision has garnered both praise and criticism. While some Democrats, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), have lauded the move as a compassionate step towards justice reform, others have expressed concerns about the implications of such broad clemency grants. Rep. Pressley specifically highlighted the impact of the “War on Drugs” on sentencing disparities and praised Biden's actions as transformative and a defining aspect of his legacy.

This latest round of commutations builds upon Biden's previous clemency actions, including the commutation of nearly 1,500 sentences last month for individuals largely on home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and accused of non-violent drug offenses. This pattern indicates a sustained effort by the Biden administration to address what they perceive as systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley commended President Biden's clemency decision. (Getty Images)