President Joe Biden is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for several prominent figures who could face retribution from the incoming Trump administration. This list includes individuals such as Anthony Fauci and Liz Cheney. Biden is said to be contemplating using his constitutional power to issue these pardons before he leaves the White House on January 20. The potential preemptive pardons have caused controversy, particularly after Biden recently pardoned his son Hunter.
Among those potentially on the list for preemptive pardons are Democratic Representative Adam Schiff and retired general Mark Milley, both of whom could be targeted by Trump for prosecution. Overseeing these potential prosecutions would be Kash Patel, Biden’s nominee for FBI chief, who has expressed intentions to go after those who allegedly helped Biden “rig” the election.
While presidential pardons at the end of a term are common in the US, preemptive pardons to protect individuals from possible future prosecutions may be unprecedented. The reports of these discussions come amidst Biden’s efforts to shield his allies from any retaliation by the Trump administration. However, not everyone is in favor of this approach, with Schiff stating that he does not support the idea of blanket preemptive pardons.
Ultimately, the decision to issue preemptive pardons will have significant implications on the political landscape in the United States and the ongoing tensions between the Biden and Trump administrations. As the discussions continue, the country waits to see how Biden will navigate this delicate issue in the final days of his presidency.
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