Biden's Pardons: Do They Compare to Trump's?

There is a growing debate surrounding the possibility of President Joe Biden giving pardons to his administration and campaign staff. This article explores the motivations and implications behind such pardons, drawing comparisons to former President Donald Trump's approach.

The Trump Preemptive Pardons

President Trump's pardons were largely seen as preemptive, aimed at covering his inner circle in legal trouble. Trump pardoned individuals who had committed crimes, particularly those related to his campaign and administration. Under his reasoning, these pardons sought to shield those involved in potential legal actions from being held accountable for their actions.

Considering Preemptive Pardons with Biden

However, the question remains: Should President Biden consider similar preemptive pardons? The current justification behind such pardons by Trump was rooted in a perceived fear of retribution. It is important to note that no one in Biden's administration or inner circle has committed any criminal acts.

One notable aspect is the impact of Trump’s outgoing stance. Trump, upon leaving office, took preemptive measures to shield his associates. This approach was influenced by concerns about potential retribution, particularly from those who may seek to hold him and his staff accountable. In contrast, Biden’s stance is seen as preemptive due to similar concerns, but the underlying reasons may differ.

Preemptive Measures and Legal Concerns

Given the potential for retribution, some argue that it would be wise for Biden to take similar preemptive measures. However, this would only be necessary if individuals in his administration or campaign team are under investigation or legal scrutiny. At present, no such investigations have been publicized, and individuals in Biden's administration have not been indicted for any crimes.

Current and Future Implications

Ultimately, the decision to issue pardons is a complex one with significant implications. It could set a precedent and be seen as a political move. Some argue that preemptive pardons can provide peace of mind and protect those who may be unfairly targeted by those seeking retribution.

The article suggests that given Trump's recent focus on retribution, it is unclear what his plans may be. Trump has been known to engage in actions that may not be beneficial for the country, and a clean slate for his associates could prevent future legal or political conflicts.

The Absence of Criminal Activity

It is important to highlight that there has been no evidence of criminal activity within Biden’s administration or campaign team. While one can understand the concerns surrounding potential retribution, the absence of criminal activity provides a reasonable basis to not issue preemptive pardons.

The Question: Should He Pardon?

The question remains: Should Biden preemptively pardon members of his administration and campaign staff? The answer largely depends on whether there is legitimate cause for such pardons. Given the current state of investigations and the indicted individuals from the Trump era, the need for similar pardons does not currently exist for Biden's team.

In conclusion, while the decision to give pardons is a complex one, it is essential to weigh the legal and political implications carefully. Given the lack of criminal activity in Biden's administration, the motivations for such pardons may differ from Trump's.