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President Biden has announced preemptive pardons for his family members, prominent political critics of incoming President Donald Trump, and public officials, citing concerns over partisan retribution and politically motivated investigations.

Some shit you should know before you read: Back in December, rumors began circulating that President Biden was considering a broader slate of preemptive pardons for critics of Donald Trump, such as Gen. Mark Milley, former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, and even members of his own family. This speculation gained traction after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, just days before he was due to be sentenced following his conviction on gun and tax-related charges. At the time, Democratic pundits defended the possible moves, citing their concerns over Trump’s picks to lead the FBI and Department of Justice, with fears that these appointments could lead to politically motivated prosecutions against Biden’s allies, family members, and others who had opposed Trump.  

201125102451 Biden Family Photo

What’s going on now: President Biden issued preemptive pardons for his family members, including his brother James Biden, who has been accused of leveraging the Biden name in business dealings tied to Hunter Biden’s overseas ventures; Sara Jones Biden, his sister-in-law; Valerie Biden Owens, his sister and a longtime political strategist for Biden; John T. Owens, his brother-in-law; and his other brother, Francis Biden. These family members have faced scrutiny in congressional investigations into Hunter Biden’s alleged influence peddling, with James Biden in particular accused of playing a role in securing international business deals that involved financial entanglements with Hunter.

The pardons were aimed at protecting them from any potential federal prosecution tied to the ongoing investigations, with Biden maintaining that the accusations were politically motivated and rooted in partisan attacks designed to harm him and his family.

Beyond his family, Biden also pardoned key critics of Donald Trump and public officials who had been targets of Trump’s ire. Notable recipients included Gen. Mark Milley, who as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff openly criticized Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and warned of a growing threat of fascism; Dr. Anthony Fauci, who had become a lightning rod for Trump and his allies during the COVID-19 pandemic; and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who was an outspoken critic of Trump and served on the January 6 Committee. Biden explained that the pardons were necessary to protect these individuals from politically motivated retribution by Trump, who had signaled his intent to punish opponents upon taking office. “These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden said, stressing that the pardons were not an acknowledgment of guilt but rather a shield against baseless investigations that could irreparably harm reputations, finances, and safety.

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