Biden Weighs Extra Preemptive Pardons for Potential Targets of Trump – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
12:37 PM – Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Outgoing President Joe Biden has indicated that he is contemplating issuing “preemptive pardons” to several individuals whom he believes could face legal challenges from President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming administration.
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While Biden refrained from naming specific individuals, there is growing speculation that he might extend pardons to former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, as well as former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, daughter of Dick Cheney, as his presidency nears its conclusion.
These remarks were made during a recent interview with USA Today, published on Wednesday.
Biden revealed that he made a personal appeal to Trump during Trump’s visit to the White House in November, urging him not to pursue personal vendettas, implying that he is cognizant of the efforts by certain individuals to undermine Trump both legally and politically in 2024 and beyond.
“I tried to make it clear that there was no need, and it was counterproductive for his interests to seek retribution,” Biden remarked.
“He didn’t outright refuse; he just listened,” Biden added.
In December, Biden granted pardons to 1,500 people, marking the highest number of pardons issued by a U.S. president in a single day.
He also controversially pardoned his 54-year-old son, Hunter, amid charges of federal gun violations and tax evasion, despite previously stating he would not do so. This assurance was echoed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
In the same interview, Biden acknowledged that he “[hasn’t] made a final decision” on whether to issue further pardons, indicating that “part of that depends on Trump’s staffing choices.”
Trump has previously mentioned intentions to target dishonest lawyers, political operatives, illegal voters, and corrupt officials who allegedly interfered with the 2024 election, hinting at severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences.
“Biden has the option to grant pardons if he chooses,” Trump stated. “Perhaps he should.”
The incoming GOP president, set to be the 47th, has nominated Pam Bondi for the position of U.S. Attorney General and former federal prosecutor Kash Patel to lead the FBI, although these appointments are still pending confirmation. Bondi’s hearing is scheduled for January 14th, with expectations of her approval.
If confirmed, both Bondi and Patel have pledged to investigate what they describe as the corrupt “Deep State,” alleging that the justice system was weaponized against Trump during Biden’s tenure.
“In the Department of Justice, we will prosecute those prosecutors who acted in bad faith,” Bondi has previously declared regarding Trump’s indictments. “Investigators who overstepped will also be scrutinized.”
Patel has expressed a commitment to pursue “media figures who misled the public about American citizens, and those who assisted Biden in manipulating election outcomes.”
“We intend to hold you accountable, whether through criminal or civil means. Consider this your warning,” Patel emphasized.
Previously, Patel indicated a bold plan to “close the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen it the next as a museum of the ‘Deep State.’”
“Subsequently, I would assign its 7,000 employees to various locales across the nation to combat crime. They are law enforcement personnel; they should act as such,” he added.
Some Democratic leaders have voiced concerns over Biden’s potential pardons, suggesting they could set a troubling precedent, while others argue they are necessary due to fears that Trump might retaliate against individuals linked to the Biden administration’s alleged corruption.
“It’s undeniable that Trump will act in an authoritarian, vengeful manner towards those he perceives as adversaries during his initial year in office,” stated Democratic Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.).
“If by January 19th it becomes evident that revenge is his agenda, I would advise President Biden to consider issuing those preemptive pardons, as they may be essential for the country’s stability next year,” he concluded.
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