President Biden issued preemptive pardons for five family members—his brother James, James’s wife Sara, his sister Valerie, Valerie’s husband John, and his brother Francis—citing baseless, politically motivated investigations targeting them. These pardons, announced shortly before the presidential transition, accompanied similar pardons for other figures, including Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley. The president emphasized that the pardons do not indicate guilt and that the investigations caused irreparable damage. This action follows Biden’s earlier pardon of his son, Hunter, after Hunter’s conviction on federal gun and tax charges.
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Following Donald Trump’s threat to imprison members of the January 6th Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders urged President Biden to consider preemptive pardons for those targeted. Sanders, along with Senator Lindsey Graham, condemned Trump’s statement as authoritarian and an assault on the rule of law. Trump’s threat comes amidst his repeated pledges to pardon Capitol rioters upon assuming office. The January 6th Committee’s report concluded that Trump criminally participated in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.
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Following President-elect Trump’s threat to jail members of the January 6th Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders called the statement “outrageous” and suggested President Biden consider preemptive pardons for the committee members. Sanders described Trump’s actions as characteristic of authoritarianism and dictatorship. This follows Trump’s declaration of intent to pardon his supporters convicted for their involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack. However, not all Republicans support Trump’s position, with Senator Lindsey Graham explicitly disagreeing.
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Trump’s F.B.I. pick, Kash Patel, has openly declared a list of political opponents he intends to target. The sheer existence of this “enemies list” raises serious concerns about the weaponization of the FBI under a potential Trump administration. This isn’t simply about partisan politics; it’s about the potential for abuse of power on a massive scale.
The idea of preemptive pardons, specifically for those on Patel’s list, is a complex one. While it might seem like a radical solution, it’s a direct response to a situation that demands drastic measures. A blanket pardon could be seen as an admission of guilt by those pardoned, and might not even deter a determined administration hellbent on retribution.… Continue reading
The Biden White House is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for individuals potentially targeted by Donald Trump and his allies. This proactive approach stems from a deep concern about the weaponization of the justice system against political opponents, a fear amplified by Trump’s past actions and pronouncements.
The idea of preemptive pardons is undeniably controversial. It would certainly be interpreted by many as an admission of guilt, even if the recipients maintain their innocence. This perception could be politically damaging, potentially fueling accusations of a cover-up or undermining the integrity of the judicial process. However, the counterargument is that the potential for politically motivated prosecutions far outweighs these risks.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood