President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly debating the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons to current and former public officials who could be targeted when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
According to a report by Politico, Biden’s senior aides are concerned about officials who could face inquiries or even indictments under a Trump presidency. These concerns have also been motivated by Trump’s announcement that Kash Patel would lead the FBI during his administration.
Because of these concerns, White House officials are weighing the unprecedented move of issuing blanket pardons for individuals who have not been charged with any crimes. However, questions remain about the optics and implications of such an action “both because it could suggest impropriety, only fueling Trump’s criticisms, and because those offered preemptive pardons may reject them,” Politico reported.
Among those who are believed to potentially be targeted under the administration are Senator-elect Adam Schiff, former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney, and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Discussions about blanket pardons also follow Biden's controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter, after previously stating he did not plan to do so. Additionally, not all Democrats are on board with the idea. Schiff dismissed the notion of a blanket pardon, saying that he would “urge the president not to do that.”
“I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary,” he said.
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