President Joe Biden's senior aides are reportedly having vigorous internal discussions on whether to preemptively pardon a number of current and former officials who could face the wrath of President-elect Donald Trump.
Politico reported Wednesday that the discussions have become more pressing following Trump's nomination of loyalist Kash Patel — who has vowed to seek political retribution against Trump's foes — for FBI director.
The Biden officials have concerns over the implications of issuing blanket pardons to certain people who as of yet haven't been accused of any crimes, as "it could suggest impropriety, only fueling Trump’s criticisms, and because those offered preemptive pardons may reject them," the report said.
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Those who could be pardoned preemptively include Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-CA) and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY).
Schiff, for his part, encouraged Biden not to issue the pardons.
“I would urge the president not to do that,” he told Politico. “I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary.”
