Biden warned Trump against preemptive pardons for family members, citing concerns about legal precedents and justice.
In a CNN interview, Biden cautioned Trump against using his power to pardon his adult children and others, including Rudy Giuliani. He expressed concern about the message it would send regarding the rule of law in the U.S.
However, Biden’s worries seemed to fade when he later announced blanket pardons for his own family, claiming they faced relentless attacks. He argued that these actions were driven by partisan politics aimed at hurting him.
Biden’s pardons included not just family members but also notable figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and military leaders, marking a significant use of presidential power. This move drew criticism from both sides of the aisle, especially after he pardoned his son Hunter, who had legal troubles of his own.
Interestingly, Biden became the first president to grant pardons to individuals who weren’t even charged with crimes. Some of those pardoned had previously warned against such a precedent.
While Biden’s actions stirred controversy, he wasn’t the first president to pardon family. Bill Clinton did the same for his half-brother, and Trump also granted clemency to his family members.
In the end, Biden’s pardons have sparked a debate about the implications of such actions and the future of presidential power in the U.S.