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The Biden team is discussing the possibility of issuing blanket pardons before Trump’s promised retaliation. White House officials are concerned that Trump’s choice of highly partisan individuals for key law enforcement positions suggests he may seek retribution against those he views as his adversaries.
Written by Peter Baker and Erica L. Green.
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President Biden’s team is discussing the possibility of granting broad pardons to a group of individuals who are seen as enemies by President-elect Donald J. Trump. This is being considered as a way to shield them from the retaliation that Trump has threatened once he assumes office. Sources familiar with the conversation have revealed this information.
The plan is to grant executive clemency in advance to a group of current and former government officials for any potential offenses they may have committed over the years. This would prevent the next president from carrying out their promised retaliation against them.
Officials in the White House are concerned that individuals who may not have committed any crimes could be targeted by investigations led by Mr. Trump’s appointees in the Justice Department. These investigations, even if they do not result in any charges, could still have a significant impact on the individuals involved, causing them financial strain and potentially harming their future career opportunities.
The topic of blanket pardons has been mainly discussed among staff members, although President Biden has also had conversations about it with senior members of his team. This information comes from sources who are familiar with the situation and spoke anonymously to discuss internal discussions. The discussion about blanket pardons follows President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter for gun and tax charges in order to prevent him from going to prison.
During a briefing on Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre avoided discussing blanket pardons but mentioned that President Biden is considering potential executive clemency actions before his term ends. She stated that the president is reviewing options and more information will be shared in the future.
Mr. Biden hinted at his approach by pardoning his son, clearing him of convicted counts and any potential crimes he may have been involved in since 2014. This move is expected to prevent the Justice Department under Mr. Trump from pursuing Hunter Biden on allegations that were not deemed worthy of charges by the investigating prosecutor during Trump’s presidency.
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