The White House has recently been under scrutiny regarding the possibility of President Joe Biden issuing preemptive pardons to individuals who may face legal challenges in a potential Trump administration. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed these questions during a briefing, stating that the president is currently reviewing pardons and commutations.
While Jean-Pierre did not confirm the potential for preemptive pardons, she emphasized that there is a process in place for such decisions. Reports have surfaced suggesting that discussions among senior Biden aides and legal experts are ongoing regarding preemptive pardons or legal assistance for individuals who could be targeted by President-elect Donald Trump.
If implemented, these preemptive pardons would extend to individuals who have not been formally accused of any crimes, reflecting concerns within the Democratic party about possible retaliatory actions by Trump.
Highlighting Biden's past actions on pardons and commutations, Jean-Pierre mentioned previous pardons for marijuana possession convictions, nonviolent drug offenders, and military convictions for LGBTQ+ servicemembers. She hinted at more forthcoming decisions in this regard, possibly around the holiday season.
When pressed further on Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, Jean-Pierre faced questions about the administration's prior statements indicating no intention to pardon him. While she did not directly address whether Biden regretted misleading the public, she defended the president's decision-making process.
As the White House continues to navigate these complex issues, Jean-Pierre reiterated that Biden is carefully considering his next steps. The ongoing discussions surrounding preemptive pardons underscore the political tensions and legal uncertainties that persist in the current landscape.
