President Biden contemplates his final moves in the Oval Office as discussions about potential pre-emptive pardons intensify.
According to Fox News, Biden revealed in his last print media interview that he is still considering issuing pre-emptive pardons to potential targets of President-elect Donald Trump's administration, including former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
During the weekend interview with USA Today's Washington Bureau chief Susan Page, Biden disclosed his ongoing deliberations about the pardons. The president also shared details about his recent meeting with Trump, where he advised the president-elect against pursuing political vendettas. The conversation highlighted the growing tension between preserving democratic norms and preparing for potential political retaliation.
The potential pre-emptive pardons have created a divide among Democratic leaders, with some warning about dangerous precedents while others advocate for protective measures. Senator Adam Schiff, himself a potential pardon recipient, expressed reservations about establishing a pattern of broad-based pardons for future administrations.
Senator Ed Markey has emerged as a vocal supporter of the pre-emptive pardons, citing concerns about potential retribution under Trump's leadership. In his statement to Boston Public Radio, Markey said:
I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful [way his] first year … towards individuals who he believes harmed him.
The Massachusetts senator further emphasized that if Trump's retaliatory intentions become evident by January 19, he would recommend Biden proceed with the pre-emptive pardons to protect the country's interests.
Biden's consideration of these pardons follows his controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who faced felony gun and tax charges. The president's earlier statement denying plans to pardon his son has drawn criticism and scrutiny from various political quarters.
The administration's recent clemency actions have already set records, with Biden commuting approximately 1,500 sentences in a single day last December. This unprecedented move demonstrated the president's willingness to use his constitutional powers broadly in matters of justice and mercy.
When discussing the potential pardons with Trump during their post-election meeting, Biden recalled:
He didn't say, 'No, I'm going to...' You know. He didn't reinforce it. He just basically listened.
As Biden's presidency draws to a close, his consideration of pre-emptive pardons represents a significant moment in American political history. The decision could establish new precedents for executive power and influence how future administrations handle political transitions.
The White House has maintained silence on specific details about potential pardon recipients despite multiple requests for comment. This careful approach reflects the delicate nature of such decisions and their potential impact on American democracy.
The ongoing deliberations about pre-emptive pardons underscore the complex challenges facing the outgoing administration. Biden must balance protecting individuals from potential political persecution against the risk of normalizing broad presidential pardons as political tools.
President Biden's contemplation of pre-emptive pardons for Trump's potential targets marks a crucial moment in American political history. The decision, which could affect former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and others, comes as Biden prepares to transfer power to President-elect Donald Trump. As January 19 approaches, the administration faces mounting pressure to decide whether to exercise this extraordinary measure to protect individuals from potential political retaliation while considering the broader implications for executive power and democratic norms.
