Biden Weighs Controversial Pardons for Top Allies as Trump 2024 Looms—Game-Changing Move?

In a highly sensitive and controversial move, President Joe Biden is deliberating on whether to issue sweeping pardons to officials and allies who may be targeted by a potential Trump administration. This consideration, still in the early stages and primarily under review by White House lawyers, reflects the administration’s concerns about possible retribution from President-elect Donald Trump’s team.

According to two anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Biden has had discussions with senior aides regarding the possibility of preemptive pardons. While no decisions have been made, the deliberations highlight the extraordinary power of the presidency in times of political uncertainty. The sources emphasized that it remains a possibility that Biden may ultimately choose not to act on this matter at all.

Historically, presidential pardons are used to grant clemency to those convicted of crimes, often as a means to correct judicial errors or provide mercy. However, the pardons under consideration by Biden’s team could be issued to individuals who have not been charged with any crimes and, in some cases, have not even been investigated. The concern is that Trump and his allies, who have made statements about creating “enemies lists” and seeking “retribution,” might initiate politically motivated investigations that could tarnish the reputations and finances of Biden’s allies, even if they do not lead to prosecutions.

The potential pardons are seen as a preemptive move to shield key figures within Biden’s administration from any future legal or financial risks that might emerge under a Trump-led government. This move, should it proceed, would mark a significant and controversial use of the president’s power to grant clemency.

As discussions continue, Biden’s decision remains uncertain, with many awaiting any further developments on this highly contentious issue.