Biden Considers Preemptive Pardons as Trump Prepares for Return

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, is contemplating the issuance of preemptive pardons for individuals who may face scrutiny under the forthcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, who emerged victorious against Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, is set to assume office on January 20.

Biden addressed the media at the White House on Friday, indicating that while discussions regarding preemptive pardons are ongoing, no final decision has been made. He stated that the ultimate course of action would depend on the statements and intentions Trump may express in the days leading up to his inauguration.

After withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race in July, Biden endorsed Harris, who subsequently lost the general election to Trump. The president-elect has signaled intentions to pursue legal action against perceived adversaries, including Harris and Biden, whom he labeled as the "most corrupt president" in U.S. history.

Additionally, Trump criticized Biden for granting a pardon to his son Hunter in December, following Hunter's convictions for tax evasion and gun-related offenses. In response to Biden's actions, Trump labeled the pardon a "miscarriage of justice," particularly highlighting the situation of individuals incarcerated due to the January 6 Capitol riots.

Trump has called for investigations into former President Barack Obama and prominent Republican critic Liz Cheney, intensifying the political atmosphere as his administration prepares to take office. Furthermore, Trump has threatened rigorous prosecutions against those he accuses of electoral misconduct, warning that such legal consequences could extend to lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, and election officials.

In his comments on the potential for self-pardons, Biden firmly dismissed the notion, asserting that he has not committed any wrongdoing. While the president has broad constitutional authority to issue preemptive pardons for federal offenses, this power does not extend to state crimes or future offenses.

Biden characterized Trump's intentions to prosecute political opponents as "outrageous," reflecting the deeply polarized political climate in the United States as the transfer of power approaches.