Biden Rules Out Self-Pardon, Reflects on Final Days in Office

President Joe Biden dismissed the possibility of pardoning himself, stating Friday, “Why should I pardon myself? I didn’t do anything wrong.” The comments came as he considered using clemency powers to protect critics of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged retaliation after assuming office on Jan. 20.

Biden acknowledged deliberating preemptive pardons in response to Trump’s rhetoric and his nominees for key roles in the upcoming administration. With 10 days left in his term, Biden announced plans for a prime-time farewell speech next week, emphasizing he will remain active post-presidency.

Addressing his decision not to run for re-election, Biden said, “I didn’t want to cause a divided party to lose an election,” adding that he and Vice President Kamala Harris “could have beaten Trump.”

Biden also highlighted economic achievements, declaring, “The economy I’m leaving is the best in the world.”