United States: President Joe Biden is considering issuing pre-emptive pardons to notable critics of President-elect Donald Trump, as concerns grow over potential revenge from Trump’s incoming administration. Biden has discussed the prospect with senior White House aides, though no specific names have been formally suggested.
The move would aim to shield individuals who opposed Trump during his previous term, including figures involved in the impeachment efforts and the investigation of the 2021 Capitol riots. US media reports suggest potential recipients include Dr. Anthony Fauci, who criticised Trump’s COVID-19 response, and California Senator-elect Adam Schiff, who led the first impeachment case. Schiff, however, has publicly opposed the idea, stating it would appear “defensive and unnecessary.”
This comes on the heels of Biden’s controversial decision to unconditionally pardon his son, Hunter Biden, ahead of his sentencing on federal felony charges. The move drew bipartisan criticism, with detractors accusing the president of violating his promise not to intervene in his son’s legal troubles.
The White House has signalled that additional pardons are under consideration, including traditional ones for nonviolent offenders. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden is “thinking through the process thoroughly” but delivered no further details.
The discussions are taking place with rising tensions, as Trump and his allies have openly promised to target those who opposed him. Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, has pledged to pursue politicians and media figures, accusing them of plotting against the 2020 election results without evidence.
Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle has suggested Biden to issue blanket pardons for those who may be targeted, describing Trump’s actions as an effort to settle personal scores rather than uphold the rule of law. As Biden nears the end of his term, whether to issue these pardons remains a polarising topic, with critics on both sides debating their implications for justice and political accountability.
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