Biden Considers Preemptive Pardons for Trump Critics

President Joe Biden and his top aides are reportedly discussing issuing preemptive pardons for individuals who could become targets of the incoming Trump administration.

According to sources close to the president, potential candidates for pardons include retired Gen. Mark Milley, former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff, and Dr. Anthony Fauci. None of these individuals have been charged with crimes, but the move is reportedly being considered as a precautionary measure against anticipated political retribution.

The deliberations come shortly after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on December 1, a decision that triggered significant backlash from Republicans and even criticism from within his own party.

The White House explained that Biden’s decision stemmed from his belief that his political opponents would not relent in their pursuit of Hunter, despite earlier pledges to avoid intervening in his son’s legal troubles.

The consideration of preemptive pardons reflects growing concerns within the Biden administration about President-elect Donald Trump’s public promises to seek "retribution" against his political enemies.

Throughout his campaign, Trump vowed to investigate and prosecute those he claims worked against him during his presidency and subsequent campaigns.

Potential Pardon Recipients

Gen. Mark Milley

Milley, who retired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last year, has faced Republican criticism over the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

He also drew Trump’s ire after reports surfaced that Milley secretly communicated with his Chinese counterpart before and after the 2020 election to assure China that Trump was not planning a military attack. Trump labeled Milley’s actions as "treason."

Liz Cheney

Cheney, once a prominent Republican, became one of Trump’s most vocal critics following the January 6 Capitol attack.

She played a significant role in the House select committee’s investigation into the insurrection, which concluded with recommendations for criminal charges against Trump. Cheney lost her 2022 reelection bid to a Trump-endorsed challenger and subsequently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump during the 2024 campaign.

Adam Schiff

Schiff, the incoming senator from California who recently won the seat held by the late Dianne Feinstein, was a central figure in the House’s investigations into Trump.

As lead prosecutor during Trump’s first Senate impeachment trial and a key member of the January 6 committee, Schiff has long been a target of Trump’s criticism.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, became a focal point of Republican scrutiny over the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since retiring in 2022, he has been called to testify before Congress on issues ranging from school closures to the origins of the virus.

Broader Implications

The potential preemptive pardons reflect heightened political polarization and fears of retaliatory measures as Trump prepares to return to the White House.

While no final decision has been made, the possibility of such pardons underscores the contentious nature of the current political climate.