President Joe Biden has not yet made a decision regarding issuing preemptive pardons before leaving office, leaving the possibility open for such a move to protect his allies. Discussions among senior Biden White House aides, administration officials, and defense attorneys in Washington, DC, are ongoing about potential preemptive pardons or legal aid for individuals who might face prosecution by President-elect Donald Trump upon his return to power.
In an interview with USA Today, Biden confirmed his openness to the idea but clarified that no decision has been reached. He emphasized the importance of not settling scores, as he conveyed to Trump after the president-elect's November victory.
Biden also addressed the pardon granted to his son, Hunter Biden, for tax and gun offenses, as well as potential federal crimes. The president explained that he decided to pardon his son because Hunter had paid his taxes, albeit late, and because of uncertainties surrounding a document related to firearms and drug addicts that led to his son's conviction.
During the interview, Biden expressed concerns about misinformation, citing instances where Trump misled the public following certain events. He highlighted the challenge of dealing with misinformation in today's information landscape.
Biden criticized Trump's potential plans to reverse some of his legislative achievements, warning that such actions could harm the economy. He specifically mentioned concerns about climate laws, drug manufacturer restrictions, tax cuts, tariffs, and infrastructure projects.
The president's apprehensions about the potential impact of Trump's policy changes reflect broader concerns about the direction of the country's governance and policy priorities.
