Advisers to President Joe Biden are exploring preemptive pardons for individuals who may face legal action under President-elect Donald Trump, according to reports from Politico, CNN, and USA Today. The discussions, led by White House counsel Ed Siskel, have not yet involved Biden but include prominent defense attorneys and administration officials.
Potential pardon recipients include former Rep. Liz Cheney, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff, Anthony Fauci, and special counsel Jack Smith. The move aims to counter Trump’s potential use of the Justice Department against political opponents. Trump’s recent FBI nominee, Kash Patel, has publicly vowed to target Trump’s critics.
The idea of preemptive pardons has divided Democrats. Senators like Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) expressed concerns, arguing it undermines the legal system, while Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) suggested openness to unconventional measures to protect democracy.
Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has already sparked criticism from within his party. Hunter admitted to gun and tax violations, and Biden defended the decision, saying his son was unfairly targeted. Critics argue such actions erode trust in the justice system.
Trump, known for pardoning allies during his presidency, has promised to pardon Jan. 6 rioters if re-elected, heightening concerns about partisan use of presidential clemency.
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