Biden has said: "I would've beaten Trump, could've beaten Trump."

President Joe Biden stated on Friday that he did not believe his decision to run for re-election enabled President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 victory and hinted that he is still evaluating the possibility of granting pre-emptive pardons to individuals targeted by Trump.

Trump, a Republican set to return to the White House on January 20, defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, in last year’s election and has frequently called for the prosecution of his perceived adversaries.

"I think I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think Kamala could have beaten Trump," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he regretted his initial decision to seek re-election.

Biden, 82, withdrew from the race after a contentious debate with Trump, 78, raised concerns within the Democratic Party about his electability and ability to complete a second term.

"I felt it was important to unify the party," Biden explained, emphasizing that while serving as president had been the honor of his life, he did not want to risk dividing the party and losing the election.

On the topic of pardons, Biden acknowledged Trump’s rhetoric about retribution and its potential implications.

"The idea that he would punish people … is outrageous," Biden remarked. "It’s still under consideration … but no decision has been made."

When asked whether he was contemplating a pre-emptive pardon for himself, Biden firmly responded, "No. I didn’t do anything wrong."

During his presidency, Biden rarely held formal press conferences, but on Friday, he took several questions from reporters. He discussed the impact of new sanctions on Russian oil, noting that while they might increase gasoline prices by three to four cents per gallon, they would significantly damage Russia’s economy.

Biden also addressed his decision to cancel a planned trip to Italy to remain in Washington and oversee the federal response to the wildfires in California. While disappointed to miss a visit with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Biden stated that it was more important for him to focus on the crisis at hand.