As President Biden approaches the end of his term, discussions have emerged regarding the possibility of granting blanket pardons to prominent critics of President-elect Donald Trump, a move largely seen as a protective measure against potential political revenge once Trump assumes office. Recent reports from Politico and CBS News indicate that Biden’s administration is considering pardons for individuals who have openly challenged Trump, with White House Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients and chief counsel Ed Siskel involved in talks about the potential list of names. This conversation has gained traction following Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter for various federal offenses, which raises significant scrutiny over the scope and intent of such pardons.
Among those potentially considered for clemency is Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who became a highly visible figure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci faced criticism for his handling of the outbreak, especially regarding funding connections to the Wuhan lab, where some believe the virus originated. A recent congressional report alleged Fauci’s involvement in an effort to obscure his funding ties to the lab, suggesting that a preemptive pardon might safeguard him from any related repercussions under a Trump administration.
Another notable figure mentioned for possible pardon is former General Mark Milley, the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Milley’s inflammatory remarks about Trump, including calling him a “fascist,” have placed him in opposition to the former president. He disclosed that he had preemptively contacted Chinese officials during the turbulent election period and the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots, ostensibly to prevent any reckless actions from Trump amidst the political chaos. Milley has since remarked that should Trump regain power, he would likely be seen as a target for prosecution, hinting at the fraught relationship between military leadership and Trump’s presidency.
Additionally, other political figures like Liz Cheney and Adam Schiff have been speculated as potential recipients of pardons. Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman, found herself at odds with her party after her role in the January 6 Committee and her vocal opposition to Trump. Despite her Republican roots, she has campaigned for Democratic leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris, which further solidified her position as a Trump critic. Schiff, who is set to take office as a senator from California, also played a significant role in the impeachment proceedings against Trump, solidifying his standing as a leading adversary.
Preemptive pardons are a rare and controversial practice in American politics, but they have historical precedent. Notably, President Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, who resigned ahead of impending impeachment, and Jimmy Carter’s blanket pardon for draft evaders during the Vietnam War illustrate the extent to which presidents can exercise their pardon powers. Moreover, George H.W. Bush’s pardon of Caspar Weinberger before prosecution in the Iran-Contra affair further demonstrates the potential for political maneuvering through the use of pardons. These historical examples suggest that while Biden’s reported discussions about pardons might be unprecedented in their scope, they fit within a broader tradition of using the pardon power to mitigate political fallout.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions among Biden’s inner circle concerning blanket pardons for key figures in opposition to Trump reflect not only a strategy to protect allies but also a marked response to the deeply polarized political climate. Figures like Fauci, Milley, Cheney, and Schiff have become emblematic of the divisions within American politics, with their roles in vital events shaping contemporary discourse on governance and accountability. As the Biden administration navigates the complexities of the impending transition, the implications of these potential pardons bring to the forefront the intersections of power, legality, and political survival in an era defined by intense partisan conflict.
