Former President Joe Biden granted blanket pardons to five family members in the last hour of his presidency, the final acts of clemency that also included sweeping pardons for members of Congress who investigated Trump’s role in the assault on the Capitol four years ago.

Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons are a valid use of pardon power. But they break new ground as a shield for those the president seeks to protect, scholars say.

President Joe Biden issued pardons to several close family members Monday in the final minutes of his presidency.