Biden is considering pre-emptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci and Liz Cheney

President Biden stated that he is still contemplating pre-emptive pardons for individuals who might face political retaliation from President-elect Donald Trump, including former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Dr. Anthony Fauci. This revelation came during Biden's final interview with a print publication before departing the White House.

The interview, conducted by USA Today’s Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page in the Oval Office over the weekend, was published on Wednesday. Biden acknowledged that he remains undecided about issuing pardons to figures such as Cheney, Fauci, and others who could become targets of the incoming administration.

During the conversation, Biden recounted a meeting with Trump after the November election, where he advised the president-elect to avoid pursuing political vendettas.

“He didn’t say, ‘No, I’m going to…’ You know. He didn’t push back. He just listened,” Biden told Page.

Related Controversies

Reports about potential pre-emptive pardons began circulating after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, following Hunter’s conviction on felony gun and tax charges. This pardon came despite Biden previously stating he was not considering such an action.

In the final days of his presidency, Biden set a record for the largest single-day clemency action, commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals in mid-December. However, the idea of extending broad pardons to those who could be politically targeted under Trump has sparked debate within the Democratic Party.

Some Democrats have cautioned against issuing sweeping pardons, warning it could establish a dangerous precedent. Others, concerned about Trump’s potential actions, have publicly supported Biden’s move.

Key Figures Respond

Among those reportedly being considered for pardons is Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Schiff expressed reservations in an interview with CNN, saying he doesn’t want every president to issue blanket pardons before leaving office. However, he stopped short of declaring whether he would accept such a pardon if offered.