Biden Reportedly Weighing Pre-emptive Pardons for Trump Critics

US President Joe Biden, whose term is concluding, is reportedly weighing pre-emptive pardons for notable individuals who have criticized his successor, Donald Trump. This information comes from multiple sources familiar with the ongoing discussions, as reported by CBS, the BBC’s partner in the US. The aim of these potential pardons is to safeguard these individuals from possible retaliation once Trump assumes office, given his public pledges to seek revenge against those who have opposed him. According to CBS, President Biden has reportedly discussed the option of granting these pardons with senior White House staff, though no particular individuals have been officially put forward for consideration. Separately, sources informed AFP that officials are also evaluating the implications of issuing pardons to individuals who have not been accused of committing any crimes. This consideration follows the recent controversy stemming from President Biden’s unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who was scheduled for sentencing this month following federal felony convictions related to gun and tax charges. Both Republicans and some Democrats have voiced criticism of this action, which occurred despite the president’s prior statements indicating he would not undertake such a measure. US media outlets indicate that potential recipients of these pre-emptive pardons from Biden might include Dr. Anthony Fauci, known for his critiques of Trump’s COVID-19 response, and California’s Senator-elect Adam Schiff, who spearheaded the initial impeachment proceedings against Trump. Additionally, other Democrats involved in the Trump impeachment cases, similar to Schiff, or those who investigated the 2021 US Capitol riots, could also be among those granted pardons. In an interview with NPR last month, Schiff expressed his view that pre-emptive pardons were not advisable, stating his belief that the judicial system is capable of resisting threats from Donald Trump. Regarding reports of such pardons being considered, he commented, “I think this is frankly so implausible as not to be worthy of much consideration.” He further added, “I would urge the president not to do that. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary.” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated earlier this week that additional pardons might be anticipated from President Biden prior to the conclusion of his term in January, though she provided no further specifics. She remarked, “He’s thinking through that process very thoroughly.” CBS also reports that individuals who could receive more conventional presidential pardons for committed crimes include nonviolent drug offenders or others who have completed sentences for various offenses. Donald Trump is not the sole individual to have threatened retribution against those perceived as his past opponents. Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, has indicated his intention to pursue politicians and media members whom he alleges, without providing evidence, assisted in overturning the 2020 US presidential election results. Patel stated, “We’re going to come after you, whether it’s criminally or civilly. We’ll figure that out. But yeah, we’re putting you all on notice… We’re actually going to use the Constitution to prosecute them for crimes they said we have always been guilty of but never have.” In response, Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle suggested that Biden ought to issue comprehensive pardons to individuals identified on what Boyle termed Donald Trump’s “enemies list.” Boyle commented, “By choosing Kash Patel as his FBI Director, Trump has made it clear that he is more focused on settling personal scores than on protecting the American people or upholding the rule of law.”