Now why would Biden want to pardon these people?
As President Biden’s administration faces increasing scrutiny, reports have emerged suggesting that his senior aides are seriously considering preemptively pardoning several high-profile figures within the government before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This move appears to be motivated by concerns over possible legal actions that could be taken against Biden’s allies once Trump assumes the presidency.
Among the individuals reportedly under consideration for pardons are former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Senator-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Fauci, who served as the face of the government’s pandemic response, has been criticized by Republicans for allegedly misleading Congress and using private email accounts for official business. Cheney, a fierce critic of Trump, played a central role in the January 6th committee’s investigation into the Capitol riot, while Schiff has spent years advancing the controversial Russia collusion narrative.
This discussion about pardons has reportedly been led by White House counsel Ed Siskel, with input from top officials like Chief of Staff Jeff Zients. However, President Biden, who is now 82, has not yet personally weighed in on the matter. A major concern within the White House is that issuing pardons to individuals who have not been formally charged with crimes could create the appearance of impropriety, though aides are also mindful that some individuals may reject such offers.
The idea of issuing preemptive pardons stems from a fear among Democratic lawmakers that a President Trump may seek to investigate his political enemies upon taking office, potentially resulting in criminal charges. While Trump has downplayed the notion of retribution on the campaign trail, emphasizing that the country does not want to see partisan prosecutions, he has suggested that he would be open to pardoning certain figures, including Hunter Biden, the president’s son.
This proposal for preemptive pardons stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s recent actions. Just days ago, President Biden granted his son a sweeping pardon for past tax and gun violations, reversing previous denials that such a move would occur. Critics of the Biden administration argue that these decisions highlight the growing weaponization of the Justice Department and raise questions about the fairness and integrity of the legal system.
As President Trump prepares to take office, the nation is left to wonder how his administration will respond to the potential misuse of legal power by the outgoing administration and whether the promise of justice will be served for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.