Joe Biden just got done pardoning his son, Hunter. It caused shockwaves across the political world.
And Donald trump is furious after learning about who Biden plans to pardon next.
Biden Administration Weighs Pre-Emptive Pardons Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
President Biden’s senior aides are reportedly considering issuing pre-emptive pardons for current and former government officials before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office next month, according to a Politico report.
The list of potential pardon recipients includes prominent figures such as former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Dr. Anthony Fauci. These deliberations, spearheaded by White House counsel Ed Siskel, have reportedly involved key officials, including Chief of Staff Jeff Zients. However, President Biden himself has not yet participated in the discussions.
The prospect of pardoning individuals who haven’t been charged with crimes has sparked debate within the administration.
Concerns have been raised about whether granting such pardons could imply wrongdoing. Another issue is the possibility that some individuals might reject the pardons altogether.
The discussions were reportedly prompted by lobbying from congressional Democrats and fears that Trump may launch criminal investigations into his political opponents upon taking office, potentially leading to indictments.
Among those being considered, Dr. Anthony Fauci has faced Republican accusations of misleading Congress about the origins of COVID-19 and using a private email account for government business.
Former Rep. Liz Cheney, a vocal Trump critic, played a significant role in the House investigation into the former president’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Adam Schiff, who was recently elected to the U.S. Senate, has long been a leading voice in raising allegations of Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 election.
While fears of politically motivated prosecutions persist, Trump has downplayed any intent to seek retribution.
Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity in June, Trump stated, “The country doesn’t want that,” when asked about potentially indicting Biden after he leaves office.
He also reminded audiences that he refrained from prosecuting his 2016 Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, despite chants of “lock her up” from his supporters.
Interestingly, Trump has even hinted at pardoning Hunter Biden, saying during the campaign that he would be open to the idea.
Hunter Biden received a blanket pardon from his father, President Biden, on Sunday. The pardon covers offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, including uncharged crimes.
This move marked a stark reversal from repeated White House assertions that Hunter would not receive special treatment. Earlier this year, Hunter pleaded guilty to nine criminal counts related to $1.4 million in unpaid taxes and was convicted on three federal gun charges for possessing a firearm while addicted to drugs.
President Biden justified his decision to pardon his son, claiming Hunter was “treated differently” by the Justice Department under his administration.
The discussions surrounding these pre-emptive pardons highlight the political and legal tensions surrounding the transfer of power and the potential fallout from Trump’s return to the White House.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
