Biden could still pardon critics of Trump as his administration nears its end
He mentioned that his choice will be influenced by the actions and statements of the president-elect in the days ahead.
TroibNews 
President Joe Biden suggested on Friday that he is still considering preemptive pardons for certain high-profile critics of Donald Trump. He noted that his decision would be influenced by any signals the president-elect may give about intentions for retribution upon his return to power.
“It depends on some of the language and expectations that Trump broadcasts in the last couple days here as to what he’s going to do,” Biden mentioned while speaking to reporters at the White House. “There’s still consideration of some folks, but no decision.”
Biden did not name any individuals who might be eligible for pardon, deeming it “outrageous” that he must even contemplate the possibility of Trump punishing his political adversaries.
However, he dismissed the idea of pardoning one notable Trump critic: himself.
“What would I pardon myself for?” Biden responded when asked if he had considered shielding himself. “I had no contemplation of pardoning myself. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Biden’s comments regarding potential preemptive pardons arose during a brief exchange with reporters after delivering a speech on the economy, where he highlighted recent job growth — ensuring that he would complete his term without experiencing a month of net job losses.
He also reaffirmed to reporters his belief that he could have defeated Trump had he chosen to remain in the 2024 presidential race. Instead, he withdrew following a poor performance in a June debate, worrying about the possibility of dividing the Democratic Party.
“I thought I could win again. I thought it was better to unify the party,” he stated, adding that he believed Vice President Kamala Harris could also effectively challenge Trump. “I was confident she’d win.”
When asked whether Harris should run for president again, Biden refrained from providing a direct answer, saying, “I think she’s competent to run again in four years, that’s a decision for her to make.”
The president’s comments came at the end of a week he had initially planned to spend in Rome, where he was scheduled for a private audience with the Pope. Biden, a devout Catholic, canceled that trip due to severe wildfires in southern California, a choice he acknowledged was disappointing but necessary.
Earlier on Friday, he also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing confidence that Ukraine could prevail in its conflict with Russia as long as its western European allies remain united.
In response to the ongoing situation, the White House announced broad new sanctions on Russia, specifically targeting the country's profitable oil industry. Biden anticipated these sanctions would have a “profound effect” on Russia's economy, while also cautioning that there could be repercussions for the U.S., including potential gas price increases of up to four cents per gallon.
Despite this, he argued that the cost was a worthwhile exchange for diminishing Russia's influence and weakening President Vladimir Putin. He expressed hope that Trump would maintain U.S. support for Ukraine, urging legislators to oppose moves to cut funding for Ukraine's defense.
“I know that there are a significant number of Democrats and Republicans on the Hill who think we should continue to support Ukraine,” Biden said. “It is my hope and expectation that they will speak up if Trump decides to cut off funding.”
Regarding his own future after leaving office, Biden did not provide any specific details but indicated a desire to remain publicly engaged in politics.
“I’m not going to be out of sight, out of mind,” he affirmed.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
“It depends on some of the language and expectations that Trump broadcasts in the last couple days here as to what he’s going to do,” Biden mentioned while speaking to reporters at the White House. “There’s still consideration of some folks, but no decision.”
Biden did not name any individuals who might be eligible for pardon, deeming it “outrageous” that he must even contemplate the possibility of Trump punishing his political adversaries.
However, he dismissed the idea of pardoning one notable Trump critic: himself.
“What would I pardon myself for?” Biden responded when asked if he had considered shielding himself. “I had no contemplation of pardoning myself. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Biden’s comments regarding potential preemptive pardons arose during a brief exchange with reporters after delivering a speech on the economy, where he highlighted recent job growth — ensuring that he would complete his term without experiencing a month of net job losses.
He also reaffirmed to reporters his belief that he could have defeated Trump had he chosen to remain in the 2024 presidential race. Instead, he withdrew following a poor performance in a June debate, worrying about the possibility of dividing the Democratic Party.
“I thought I could win again. I thought it was better to unify the party,” he stated, adding that he believed Vice President Kamala Harris could also effectively challenge Trump. “I was confident she’d win.”
When asked whether Harris should run for president again, Biden refrained from providing a direct answer, saying, “I think she’s competent to run again in four years, that’s a decision for her to make.”
The president’s comments came at the end of a week he had initially planned to spend in Rome, where he was scheduled for a private audience with the Pope. Biden, a devout Catholic, canceled that trip due to severe wildfires in southern California, a choice he acknowledged was disappointing but necessary.
Earlier on Friday, he also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing confidence that Ukraine could prevail in its conflict with Russia as long as its western European allies remain united.
In response to the ongoing situation, the White House announced broad new sanctions on Russia, specifically targeting the country's profitable oil industry. Biden anticipated these sanctions would have a “profound effect” on Russia's economy, while also cautioning that there could be repercussions for the U.S., including potential gas price increases of up to four cents per gallon.
Despite this, he argued that the cost was a worthwhile exchange for diminishing Russia's influence and weakening President Vladimir Putin. He expressed hope that Trump would maintain U.S. support for Ukraine, urging legislators to oppose moves to cut funding for Ukraine's defense.
“I know that there are a significant number of Democrats and Republicans on the Hill who think we should continue to support Ukraine,” Biden said. “It is my hope and expectation that they will speak up if Trump decides to cut off funding.”
Regarding his own future after leaving office, Biden did not provide any specific details but indicated a desire to remain publicly engaged in politics.
“I’m not going to be out of sight, out of mind,” he affirmed.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
