As President Biden's time in office dwindles, speculation swirls around potential pardons for prominent figures who clashed with President-elect Donald Trump. These rumors have intensified following Trump's decisive victory over Vice President Harris last month.
Following the election, several Democrats, including Sen. Ed Markey, publicly urged Biden to issue preemptive pardons, fearing retaliatory actions by Trump against his perceived adversaries. Markey expressed concerns about a potential "dictatorial" or "fascistic" approach from the incoming president.
President Biden (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta/File)
This call for preemptive pardons has gained traction among other Democrats and legal analysts, with some suggesting a broad pardon for anyone on Trump's perceived "enemies list." Amidst this backdrop, speculation has centered on several key figures:
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Vice Chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Former Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson
Trump has sharply criticized both Cheney and Thompson for their roles in the January 6th House Select Committee, accusing them of destroying evidence and calling for their imprisonment. Both have responded forcefully, defending their actions and emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Dr. Anthony Fauci (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/File)
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Fauci, a central figure in the U.S. pandemic response, has faced intense scrutiny from conservatives and Trump allies. They have criticized his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and called for investigations into his actions. Fauci has denied any wrongdoing.
Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James (ABC News/Screenshot | Brendan McDermid/Pool/Getty Images)
New York’s Letitia James and Alvin Bragg
Both James and Bragg have been involved in legal battles against Trump. James pursued a civil fraud case against the Trump Organization, while Bragg led the criminal trial related to falsifying business records. Trump has consistently denounced these cases as politically motivated attacks.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital/File)
Jack Smith (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images/File)
Special counsel Jack Smith, Fulton County DA Fani Willis
Jack Smith spearheaded two separate indictments against Trump: one related to classified documents and another concerning election interference. Fani Willis led the prosecution in Georgia related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. These cases have been central to the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding Trump.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (Alyssa Pointer/Pool/Getty Images/File)
Adam Schiff (Hans Gutknecht/Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG/File)
Sen. Adam Schiff
Sen. Schiff, a prominent figure in Trump's first impeachment trial, has been a frequent target of the former president's criticism. While acknowledging concerns about potential retribution, Schiff has cautioned against blanket pardons.
Gen. Mark Milley (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta/File)
Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Gen. Mark Milley
Recent reports have highlighted Milley's private criticisms of Trump. While their relationship has been strained, Milley has expressed confidence in the resilience of American institutions under a Trump presidency.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Alex Wong/Getty Images/Fox News Digital/File)
Hillary Clinton
The prospect of a pardon for Hillary Clinton, a frequent target of Trump's attacks during and after the 2016 election, has also been raised.
FBI Director Christopher Wray (Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty Images/File)
Christopher Wray
FBI Director Wray, appointed by Trump but subsequently criticized by him, is another figure mentioned in pardon discussions.
President Biden (Ken Cedeno/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images/File)
Could Biden pardon himself?
The question of a presidential self-pardon has been debated, but remains untested. Trump's accusations against Biden further complicate this already complex legal and political landscape.
Vice President Harris (AP/Jacquelyn Martin/File)
Vice President Harris, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, President Biden
Trump's potential FBI director pick, Kash Patel, has identified several current administration officials, including Harris, Austin, and Biden himself, as targets for potential investigation, raising further questions about the future political climate.
