Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Alice Herman

Biden reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Trump critics

A man in a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie stands behind a podium, against the backdrop of a US flag
Joe Biden delivers remarks during an event on the American workforce at the Department of Labor in Washington, DC on 16 December 2024. Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA

With Joe Biden reportedly considering issuing blanket pardons for top critics of Donald Trump, numerous high profile Democrats have emerged urging the president to do so on behalf of their colleagues who they worry could face legal retribution from Trump in the coming years.

Preemptive pardons would shield Trump’s political opponents from a possible barrage of legal attacks while setting a new precedent for sweeping, mass pardons, which some warn Trump will consequently pursue himself.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.