Biden sparks outrage by considering preemptive pardons for Cheney and Fauci

In the U.S., President Joe Biden is contemplating granting preemptive pardons as a safeguard for individuals potentially targeted by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. With only a few days left in office, Biden expressed his thought process during a recent interview, indicating that the current political climate under Trump raises the necessity for such measures. Biden has mentioned specific figures, including Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who might be at risk of politically motivated prosecutions. He deemed Trump’s threats to pursue investigations against critics as 'outrageous.' Meanwhile, Biden's administration considers the impact of these pardons amid concerns about the implications for the justice system and political norms. The backdrop of these discussions involves Trump's criticized assertiveness in threatening legal actions against perceived political opponents. Figures like Cheney, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump, and Fauci, the former chief medical adviser during the COVID-19 pandemic, find themselves under the political microscope as Trump prepares to take office again. The conversations surrounding these pardons are also influenced by various Democratic figures who fear that Trump may use his presidency to settle scores with critics and leverage the legal system against them. Additionally, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has cautioned against the potential misuse of the presidential pardon power, warning that it might undermine the gravity of such a tool, traditionally reserved for serious considerations. Concerns have also been raised about the message sent by offering pardons, as it could imply guilt on the part of those being pardoned. Biden’s stance showcases a complex relationship between the executive power to grant clemency and the safeguarding of political accountability in a heavily divided political environment. Ultimately, these considerations bring to light longstanding debates regarding presidential authority, the use of pardons, and the rules governing political conduct. Biden’s potential actions signal a response to what many see as a shift towards authoritarian tendencies within the political landscape as Trump prepares to reassume power. The situation remains fluid, and the decisions made in the coming days may have lasting repercussions on the political landscape and standard operations within the U.S. justice system.