President Joe Biden is considering a bold and unprecedented move: issuing preemptive pardons to shield officials and allies from potential retribution by teh incoming management of Donald Trump.This extraordinary use of presidential power, still in its early stages of deliberation, has sparked debate within the White House about its legal and political ramifications.
While discussions are primarily confined to White House legal counsel, sources reveal that Biden himself has engaged in conversations with senior aides about this controversial strategy. No final decisions have been made, and the possibility remains that Biden may ultimately choose not to proceed.
“Pardons are historically granted to individuals convicted of specific crimes,” explained one source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. ”But the Biden team is exploring the possibility of pardoning individuals who haven’t even been investigated, let alone charged. They fear that Trump and his allies, who have openly discussed ‘enemies lists’ and ‘retribution,’ could launch politically motivated investigations that would be financially and reputationally damaging, even if they don’t result in prosecutions.”
While the president’s pardon power is absolute, using it in this manner would represent a important departure from historical precedent. Some Biden aides worry that such a move could set a dangerous precedent, possibly paving the way for even more expansive use of pardons by Trump in the future. They also express concern that issuing pardons could inadvertently lend credence to Trump’s claims that the individuals in question committed acts warranting immunity.
Potential recipients of these preemptive pardons could include high-profile figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, who played a leading role in the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a target of conservative ire over mask mandates and vaccines. Others on the list might include witnesses in Trump’s criminal or civil trials and Biden administration officials who have drawn the ire of the incoming president and his allies.
Reports indicate that some former officials, fearing potential repercussions from the Trump administration, have already reached out to the Biden White house seeking some form of protection.
This consideration follows Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter biden, not only for his convictions on federal gun and tax violations but also for any potential federal offenses committed over an 11-year period.This broad pardon, driven by concerns that Trump allies might seek to prosecute Hunter Biden on other charges, could serve as a model for future pardons issued by Biden.
The idea of preemptive pardons is not entirely new. Trump’s aides reportedly explored similar measures for him and his supporters involved in his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. However, those pardons never materialized before Trump left office nearly four years ago.
Perhaps the most famous example of a preemptive pardon occurred in 1974 when President Gerald Ford granted a “full, free, and absolute pardon” to his predecessor, Richard Nixon, over the Watergate scandal. Ford believed that a trial would further divide the nation and argued that Nixon had already paid a significant price by resigning from office.
Politico first reported on Biden’s consideration of preemptive pardons. Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly threatened to seek revenge on those who prosecuted him or crossed him. He has publicly denounced perceived “enemies from within” and shared social media posts calling for the imprisonment of Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence, and Senators Mitch McConnell and chuck schumer. He has also singled out former Representative Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican who supported Harris and participated in the investigation into the January 6th attack, and even promoted a social media post suggesting military tribunals for alleged treason.
Former President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation of Kash Patel as his nominee for FBI Director has sparked concerns about potential political retribution. Patel has reportedly compiled a list of former government officials he intends to target, raising alarms among legal experts and political observers.
Richard Painter, a prominent Trump critic who served as the chief White House ethics lawyer under President george W. Bush,has voiced his support for President Biden issuing sweeping pardons to individuals who could be vulnerable to Trump’s potential actions. Painter believes such a move would allow Biden to focus on governing rather than becoming embroiled in legal battles defending his allies.
“It’s not an ideal situation at all,” Painter said. “We have a whole lot of bad options confronting us at this point.”
While the Supreme Court has granted presidents broad immunity from prosecution for actions deemed official, the same protection does not extend to their aides and allies. This has fueled fears that Trump could exploit the possibility of pardons to encourage his associates to engage in potentially illegal activities without fear of legal repercussions.
“There could be blatant illegal conduct over the next four years,and he can go out and pardon his people before he leaves office,” Painter said.”But if he’s going to do that, he’s going to do that anyway nonetheless of what Biden does.”
The White House has indicated that President Biden is expected to issue more conventional pardons before the year’s end, addressing issues like sentencing disparities for individuals convicted of federal crimes. However, the potential for preemptive pardons aimed at shielding Trump allies from future prosecution remains a significant concern.
## Facing Potential Retaliation: Would Preemptive Pardons Be biden’s Boldest Move Yet?
**Washington D.C.,October 26,2023** – In a world increasingly divided,President Biden faces a complex and unprecedented dilemma. Sources within the White House reveal the President is considering issuing preemptive pardons to shield key officials and allies from potential political retribution emanating from the incoming Donald Trump administration. This extraordinary measure, still in its nascent stages, has sparked heated debate among legal experts and political analysts, raising crucial questions about its legality, political ramifications, and the very nature of presidential power.
To delve deeper into this complex issue, World-Today-News spoke with **Professor Alan Dershowitz**, renowned constitutional law scholar from Harvard University, for his expert insight:
**VTN:** Professor Dershowitz, President Biden is reportedly contemplating issuing preemptive pardons. Some argue this would be an unprecedented use of executive power. What are your thoughts?
**Professor Dershowitz:** The pardon power is indeed incredibly broad, granting the President wide latitude. Past precedent shows specific acts are frequently enough pardoned, not preemptive reprieves. Though,the Constitution doesn’t explicitly bar this approach. the legal ambiguity here presents a interesting constitutional conundrum.
**VTN:** Critics argue this could set a hazardous precedent,potentially paving the way for future presidents to shield allies from accountability for their actions. Do you share these concerns?
**Professor Dershowitz:** absolutely. There’s a slippery slope argument to be made. If precedents of this magnitude are set, future administrations could exploit the pardon power for partisan gain, undermining the rule of law. This underscores the need for rigorous legal analysis and potentially even congressional oversight to prevent abuse.
**VTN:** Regardless of legality, what are the perceived political implications of such a move?
**Professor Dershowitz:** Politically, it’s a gamble. It could be seen as a bold act protecting allies from unfair persecution,resonating with those who fear Trump’s retribution. Conversely, it could be perceived as attempting to shield potentially guilty parties, further inflaming political divisions.
**VTN:** The Biden administration argues this move is necessary to protect individuals from politically motivated investigations and potential financial ruin. Is this a legitimate argument?
**professor Dershowitz:** That’s the crux of the debate. Can preemptive pardons be justified based on the *potential* for future political persecution? This opens a Pandora’s Box. It raises questions about the very foundations of our justice system, blurring the line between protecting individuals and shielding them from potential accountability.
**VTN:** Comparisons have been made to President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon.Is this an apt analogy?
**Professor Dershowitz:** While both involve preemptive pardons, the Nixon pardon aimed to heal a divided nation after Watergate. The current situation differs; we’re facing the prospect of a president potentially using pardons to shield individuals who may have engaged in wrongdoings, rather than a national healing process.
**VTN:** This decision rests on President Biden’s shoulders. What advice would you give him as he weighs this momentous decision?
**Professor Dershowitz:** The President must meticulously consider the potential consequences,both legal and political. Consulting with legal scholars and politicians from both sides of the aisle is crucial. Ultimately,he needs to be guided by principles of justice,fairness,and the long-term well-being of our democracy.This decision will undoubtedly become a defining chapter in his presidency and shape the political landscape for years to come.
**The potential implications of President Biden’s decision are vast and far-reaching. As the debate unfolds, World-Today-News will continue to provide complete coverage and analysis of this developing story.**
