Biden Weighs Preemptive Pardons for Potential Trump Targets

The president considers using constitutional powers to shield individuals from retribution promised by President-elect Trump.

President Biden is reportedly deliberating preemptive pardons for individuals Trump has vowed to investigate or prosecute during his second term.
Legal experts confirm Biden's authority to issue preemptive pardons, citing constitutional precedent and past examples like Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon.
Trump has publicly named figures such as Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff, and Mark Milley as potential targets, alongside others critical of him or involved in investigations against him.
Critics warn that issuing such pardons could be seen as weaponizing clemency, while supporters argue it could prevent misuse of federal powers for political retribution.
Biden faces pressure from Democrats urging action to protect individuals, but any decision risks significant political backlash from opposing factions.