As he entered the Capitol to witness his successor take the oath of office, President Biden announced pardons for his younger brother, James Biden, and other family members.

He also commuted the life sentence of a man serving double life sentences for killing two FBI agents.

Mr. Biden cited “baseless and politically motivated investigations” as the reason for the preemptive pardons of his family members. James Biden was under investigation in the GOP-led House for using his brother’s powerful position to secure lucrative business deals and providing funds to Mr. Biden, who was vice president at the time, in the form of loan repayments. He was never charged with a crime, but GOP lawmakers urged the incoming Justice Department to investigate the now ex-president’s brother for providing false information to Congress.

In addition to his brother, pardons were extended to James Biden’s wife, Sara Jones Biden, the president’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens and her husband, John T. Owens. He also pardoned his youngest brother, Francis “Frank” W. Biden.

“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,” former White House officials said in a statement issued just ahead of the swearing-in of President Trump at the Capitol.

“Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances,” Mr. Biden said.

Mr. Biden also commuted the two life sentences imposed on native American activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975 and later for escaping from federal prison.

Mr. Peltier, 80, will not be pardoned, Mr. Biden said.

“This commutation will enable Mr. Peltier to spend his remaining days in home confinement but will not pardon him for his underlying crimes,” the statement said.

Mr. Biden also pardoned Kentucky Democrat and former state lawmaker Gerald G. Lundergan, convicted in federal court of providing illegal corporate campaign contributions to his daughter, a former U.S. Senate candidate.

Another Biden pardon went to Ernest William Cromartie, who was convicted more than a decade ago on federal charges involving tax evasion and other financial crimes.

• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.