Politico: White House considers clemency for pro-Armenian Congressman Adam Schiff

Senior aides to President Joe Biden are reportedly debating the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons to certain current and former public officials who may face legal actions if Donald Trump returns to the presidency. 

According to Politico's article, this internal discussion among senior Democrats arises from concerns that Trump, along with allies like newly-appointed FBI leader Kash Patel — who has vowed to target Trump’s critics — may pursue inquiries and charges against political adversaries, per Caliber.Az.

The proposed pardons could cover individuals who have not committed any crimes but may be exposed to legal risks under a Trump administration. White House officials are, however, cautious about the implications of such an unprecedented move, fearing it might suggest wrongdoing or provoke further criticism from Trump. Additionally, some recipients might reject the pardons, complicating the strategy.

The deliberations involve officials tied to Trump’s criticism, including those associated with the January 6 Committee, such as pro-Armenian Senator-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and former Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), both of whom have been targeted by Trump’s rhetoric. Other figures, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, who faced significant backlash from conservatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, have also been mentioned for potential pardons.

Ed Siskel, the White House counsel, is leading these discussions, with input from Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and others. President Biden, who has been closely involved in his son Hunter Biden's pardon process, has not yet been engaged in the broader talks about issuing clemency to others.

This debate reflects mounting concerns within the Democratic Party about potential retaliatory actions by Trump and his allies. It also highlights the political challenges Biden faces, particularly as Democratic leaders, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), call on the president to extend clemency to working-class Americans who have faced harsh penalties for nonviolent offences, emphasizing fairness in the use of presidential pardons.

By Tamilla Hasanova