President Joe Biden could make more use of his pardon power before he leaves office next week, granting preemptive pardons to individuals who may be targeted for retaliation by President-elect Donald Trump, according to White House officials and officials. It is said that there is a sex. A person familiar with the discussion.
White House officials said Friday that Biden has not made a final decision on pardoning the group of people.
If Biden decides to issue a pardon, the timing would likely be in the final hours of his term, either Sunday or before noon Monday, but the timing could change, the two people said. said a source familiar with the matter.
During his campaign, Trump vowed to prosecute his political opponents during his second term.
NBC News previously reported that Biden has announced pre-emptive actions against people who could be targeted for retaliation, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who served as Trump’s manager during his first impeachment. It was reported that a pardon is being considered. Dr. Anthony Fauci is a former top infectious disease expert who has quarreled with President Trump over his response to the coronavirus pandemic. And former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who served as vice chair of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and campaigned against Trump last year with Vice President Kamala Harris. state).
“If that’s what’s offered to me, I’ll take it,” Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), former chairman of the House Jan. 6 Committee, told CBS News this week. he said. ”
A spokesperson for Mr. Thompson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
In a statement Friday, Biden announced the largest amnesty package in a single day and hinted that more may be forthcoming before he leaves office on Monday.
“I am proud of our track record on pardons and will continue to consider additional commutations and pardons.”
Biden has announced more individual pardons and reductions than any of his predecessors. In December, he pardoned his son Hunter Biden, the same month he was scheduled to be sentenced on federal gun and tax charges, saying “raw politics had infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.” said.
Several U.S. presidents have issued preemptive pardons in recent decades, including George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.
