Biden administration weighs preemptive pardons for potential Trump targets

edition.cnn.com December 6, 2024, 12:03 AM UTC

Senior aides in the Biden administration are discussing the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons for individuals who may face prosecution under a future Trump administration. This consideration reflects concerns about potential political retaliation against perceived enemies. The discussions, led by White House counsel Ed Siskel, involve creating a list of individuals for possible pardons. This would be an unusual move, as it would cover people not formally accused of crimes, highlighting fears of a vindictive legal approach from Trump. Additionally, there are talks about establishing legal defense funds to support those who may face high legal costs. Some legal experts express concern that such pardons could set a troubling precedent for future administrations.


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