Biden Weighs Pre-emptive Pardons for Trump Adversaries

Concerns grow over potential political retribution as Trump prepares to take office, with Biden considering unprecedented pardons for allies and former officials.

President Biden is contemplating pre-emptive pardons for individuals targeted by President-elect Trump, including former members of the Jan. 6 Committee and other prominent critics.
Trump has publicly declared intentions to investigate and potentially prosecute dozens of political adversaries, with his allies identifying a list of targets in past statements and publications.
Republican senators indicate they will not challenge Trump’s plans to pardon convicted Jan. 6 rioters, citing broad presidential pardon powers established by Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden.
Legal experts and some Democrats warn that accepting pre-emptive pardons could carry risks, including loss of Fifth Amendment protections and implicit acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Trump’s proposed appointments, including Kash Patel for FBI director, signal a focus on reshaping federal agencies and pursuing investigations into perceived political enemies.