The Biden administration contemplates issuing blanket pardons to protect current and former government officials from potential retribution once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The preemptive pardons could shield individuals from any possible criminal charges over the next four years, protecting them from Trump’s campaign of reprisals.
White House officials are concerned that Trump’s future Justice Department will pursue vengeance, with figures like Kash Patel promising to target critics.
Among those whose names have been floated include former Rep. Liz Cheney (chair of the bipartisan committee that investigated Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol attack, Dr. Anthony Fauci (the former top infectious disease expert), Jack Smith (the special counsel who prosecuted the president-elect, and Adam Schiff.
Democrats, including Representative James Clyburn, urge President Biden to act preemptively, but some worry that such pardons could imply guilt.
President Biden recently pardoned his son Hunter.