President Joe Biden is reportedly considering issuing blanket preemptive pardons for key figures who have been vocal critics of former President Donald Trump. The move aims to shield them from potential legal retribution or prosecution in a future Trump administration. While no specific individuals have been formally named, the idea has sparked significant discussions within the White House, particularly among senior aides like Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients and White House Counsel Ed Siskel.
The potential list of recipients for preemptive pardons includes well-known figures who have been central to the political conflicts during Trump’s tenure. These names include Dr. Anthony Fauci, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and California Democratic Senator-elect Adam Schiff, as well as other lawmakers who played pivotal roles in the impeachment proceedings against Trump or investigated the January 6th Capitol attack. Figures such as former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who actively campaigned against Trump, are also under consideration for protection.
Despite the ongoing discussions, some of the potential beneficiaries have expressed skepticism about the need for such pardons. Adam Schiff, for instance, argued that the courts would be capable of withstanding any potential threats or legal challenges from Trump’s camp, deeming the idea “implausible” and unnecessary. Meanwhile, Fauci and Cheney have not yet publicly commented on the matter, and Milley has declined to offer a statement.
The Biden administration’s consideration of preemptive pardons follows a broader trend of clemency actions, including Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, over potential criminal activities. This move came just as Trump announced controversial nominations for key positions in his potential second administration, with figures like Pam Bondi and Kash Patel, who have previously discussed retribution against Trump’s critics, in line for powerful roles.
In addition to the preemptive pardons, President Biden is also expected to grant traditional pardons to nonviolent offenders, particularly those involved in drug offenses. This comes amid growing calls for justice reform and efforts to address the long-standing consequences of over-aggressive prosecution of working-class Americans for nonviolent crimes. The White House has received numerous requests for clemency, including one from civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is advocating for pardons for his son and daughter-in-law, both of whom have legal issues.
