As rumors swirl about Biden’s pardon plans, critics are left asking: Who’s being protected—and why?
When the rumors started, they sounded almost too bold to be true. Preemptive pardons for some of the most controversial figures of the Biden era? Adam Schiff, Liz Cheney, and Anthony Fauci could all be handed a legal get-out-of-jail-free card before they’re even charged with anything.
Now, as more reports surface, the questions are mounting. What does the Biden White House know that the public doesn’t? Are they preparing for fallout from a Republican-led government in 2025, or is this just another play to protect Washington elites at all costs?
Let’s break it down.
A Who’s Who of Controversy
The list of potential pardon recipients isn’t random—it’s a greatest hits of polarizing figures who’ve shaped the Biden years.
• Adam Schiff: Once the darling of impeachment proceedings, Schiff’s reputation has taken a beating. Critics accuse him of manipulating intelligence and pushing the debunked Russian collusion narrative, raising questions about his use of classified information.
• Liz Cheney: The Republican turned anti-Trump crusader became the face of the January 6th committee. Her role in shaping its narrative has made her a pariah among conservatives and a potential target for investigations into partisanship in congressional probes.
• Anthony Fauci: The former face of America’s COVID response is mired in controversy over his alleged ties to gain-of-function research, inconsistent public messaging, and what some call the weaponization of public health policies.
If these figures are receiving legal shields, it’s not because their actions have gone unnoticed. It’s because their roles have made them high-value targets for Republican scrutiny.
Why Now?
Timing is everything. And with Trump leading the Republican presidential primary field and House investigations into Biden family dealings ramping up, the White House’s potential pardon play looks like a preemptive strike against what’s coming.
Here’s what might be driving the strategy:
1. The Trump Factor: A second Trump administration would almost certainly focus on investigating perceived abuses of power by Schiff, Cheney, and Fauci. Pardoning them now would neutralize that threat.
2. Narrative Control: By issuing pardons before any charges are brought, Biden can cast the move as a stand against “baseless political attacks,” framing future investigations as partisan retribution.
3. Elites Protecting Elites: Let’s face it—this wouldn’t be the first time Washington insiders circled the wagons to protect their own.
The pardons would send a loud message: some people are too important—or too connected—to be held accountable.
Legal and Political Fallout
The constitutional power of presidential pardons is broad, but preemptive pardons are rare and fraught with political peril. Ford’s pardon of Nixon after Watergate is perhaps the most famous example, and it cost Ford dearly in the court of public opinion.
For Biden, the stakes are just as high:
• Public Trust: At a time when Americans already view the justice system as unequal, blanket pardons could deepen cynicism.
• Precedent Setting: Future administrations could use this as a template to protect their allies, further eroding accountability in government.
• GOP Retaliation: If pardons are issued, expect a Republican-controlled Congress to double down on investigations, aiming to uncover what the White House is trying to hide.
The political gamble here is enormous, and the fallout will be felt for years.
What’s Really at Stake?
This isn’t just a story about Schiff, Cheney, or Fauci—it’s a referendum on justice in America. If pardons are issued preemptively, they send a message that power can shield anyone from accountability.
But it’s also a test for Republicans. If they regain control of the White House in 2025, will they launch the investigations the pardons are clearly designed to prevent? Or will they let these high-profile cases slip into history?
What Happens Next?
If the Biden administration goes through with these pardons, expect seismic consequences:
1. Investigations into the Pardons Themselves: House Republicans won’t just investigate the recipients—they’ll dig into why the pardons were issued and who orchestrated them.
2. Public Backlash: Even Democratic voters could view the move as an abuse of power, further eroding Biden’s already shaky approval ratings.
3. Legal Loopholes: While pardons would block federal prosecutions, they won’t necessarily shield recipients from state-level investigations.
In the end, this story isn’t just about legal maneuvering. It’s about trust. When the government preemptively pardons its allies, it tells the public one thing loud and clear: rules are for the rest of us, not for them.
Are these pardons a necessary shield against partisan attacks, or a blatant abuse of power? Sound off below.