Insight into Biden’s Final Interview

The discussion took place in the Oval Office over the weekend, with USA Today’s Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page acting as the interviewer. The interview was made public on Wednesday morning, highlighting Biden’s complex considerations as he approaches the end of his presidency.

Biden articulated his uncertainty regarding pre-emptive pardons for potential Trump targets, which include notable figures such as former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Dr. Anthony Fauci. “I’m not sure yet,” he remarked in response to inquiries about whether he would extend pardons to these individuals.

A Plea for Political Restraint

During the interview, Biden recalled his meeting with Trump following the latter’s victory in the November election. He urged Trump during that conversation not to “try to settle scores” with political adversaries. According to Biden, Trump listened but did not commit to any specific course of action regarding reprisals against those he perceives as political foes.

Biden’s stance reflects a broader concern regarding the potential for vendettas within the political landscape. He emphasized the need for a more dignified transition and a focus on unity rather than retribution.

Pardoning Dynamics: A Controversial Precedent?

The possibility of Biden issuing pre-emptive pardons gained traction following his controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after his felony convictions. This act caught many by surprise, particularly since Biden had previously stated he would refrain from such a move.

As Biden continues to issue pardons and commutations in his final days as president—recently reaching a record for the largest single-day act of clemency—some Democrats fear that a broad approach to pardoning potential Trump targets could set a perilous precedent for future administrations.

The Response from Key Political Figures

Reactions among lawmakers have been varied. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) stated during an interview with CNN that he does not support the notion of future presidents dispensing blanket pardons. However, he refrained from indicating whether he would decline an offered pardon should it come to that.

Support for Pre-emptive Pardons

Conversely, some members of Congress, including Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), have voiced support for Biden issuing pre-emptive pardons. Markey expressed concerns about Trump’s potential behavior in office, predicting that Trump may exert dictatorial tendencies and target individuals he feels wronged by during his first year in office.

Markey asserted, “If it’s clear by January 19th that revenge is his intention, then I would recommend to President Biden that he provide those preemptive pardons to people, because that’s what our country needs next year.” His statements reflect a sense of urgency and a call for preventative measures to shield political adversaries from possible retribution.

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Dialogue

As the Biden administration approaches its final days, the discussions surrounding potential pardons remain ongoing and filled with uncertainty. Biden’s reluctance to make definitive decisions has left many in the political sphere curious about how he plans to navigate this controversial issue.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comments regarding the pardon considerations but received no response by the time of publication. This silence further fuels speculation regarding how Biden may ultimately choose to act in the face of potential political retribution from the incoming administration.