President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of nearly 1,500 criminals and pardon 39 others. The White House announced early Thursday that this was the largest number of sentence commutations and pardons granted in a single day.

Biden said in a statement in what could become a defining act in the final days of his presidency: “America was built on the promise of opportunity and second chances.”

Biden continued. “As President, I have the great privilege of showing mercy to people who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, restoring the opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to restore the… “To eliminate disparities in sentencing of non-violent offenders, particularly those convicted of drug offenses.”

The move comes nearly two weeks after Biden announced he had pardoned his son Hunter, who was scheduled to be sentenced Thursday on federal weapons charges. He had also pleaded guilty to a separate federal tax evasion charge. Biden had previously ruled out using his executive powers to pardon his son.

All 1,500 offenders are “non-violent” and have been placed on home confinement for at least a year under the Covid-19-era CARES Act, the White House said, adding that they have demonstrated “successful rehabilitation and strong commitment” to to make their communities safer.”

Many of these defendants would receive lower sentences if tried under today’s laws, policies and practices, Biden said.

The 39 people pardoned were all convicted of “non-violent crimes.” These include a decorated military veteran who volunteers at a local church, a nurse who provides assistance during natural disasters, and an addiction counselor who works with young people.

President Barack Obama, in one of his final acts before leaving office in 2017, commuted the sentences of 330 criminals, at the time the largest single commutation spree in history.

The White House said Biden is the first president to issue “categorical pardons” for people convicted of marijuana use and possession, as well as former LGBTQI+ service members convicted because of their sexual orientation.

“The President has made more commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first term,” the White House statement said.

There could be more to come: Biden ended his statement by promising that he would “take further steps in the coming weeks” and that his administration would “continue to consider requests for clemency.”

Two sources familiar with the discussions told NBC News that Biden and his aides discussed the idea of ​​issuing preemptive pardons for people whom President-elect Donald Trump has despised in recent years for hinting at plans for retaliation.

Biden will leave office on January 20, 2025, when Trump is inaugurated.