Biden Not Considering Self-Pardon, Says There is No Need
Amid ongoing House investigations for alleged influence-peddling, President Joe Biden has firmly stated that he will not seek a preemptive pardon for himself, asserting his innocence in relation to all accusations.
In response to continued House inquiries and questions about his intentions, President Biden has declared he will not issue a pardon for himself as he approaches the end of his term, suggesting he has no need for one, as Newsmax reports.
Biden is currently under scrutiny from the House regarding accusations of participating in influence-peddling practices during his periods as a senator, vice president, and even when out of public office.
This investigation has stirred significant public interest due to its implications and Biden's high-profile position.
At a recent press engagement at the White House, President Biden addressed these accusations head-on. He remarked, "Myself? Why should I pardon myself? No, I have no contemplation of pardoning myself. I didn’t do anything wrong," thus dismissing any notion of guilt associated with the ongoing investigations.
Prior Controversial Moves
The context of these investigations gained broader attention following a controversial move last month in which Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden.
Hunter had been convicted on charges involving firearms and tax violations, and the pardon he received spanned any and all potential crimes spanning a long period from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024. This decision was seen by some as a contentious use of presidential pardon powers.
Besides his son, President Biden is contemplating extending preemptive pardons to several other notable figures.
Among them are former Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have been vocal in their criticism of incoming President Donald Trump and could potentially face retaliation from the new administration.
These ongoing and prospective pardons have sparked a broad spectrum of reactions across the political and public domains, highlighting the complex nature of the pardon power and its implications in political processes.
Transition of Power, Farewell Address Planned
President Biden, at 81 the oldest-serving president in U.S. history, is scheduled to deliver a farewell address from the Oval Office. This event is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m., marking one of his final formal appearances as the president of the United States.
This farewell comes in the wake of Biden's decision last summer to withdraw as the Democratic Party nominee.
He expressed at the time that his stepping down was to prevent disunity within the party, believing that Vice President Kamala Harris had a solid chance to win the presidency against Donald Trump.
On this, Biden commented, “I didn’t want to be one who caused a party that wasn’t unified to lose an election... But I was confident she could win.”
Despite withdrawing, Biden has expressed intentions to remain an active figure in public life. He stated, "I’m not going to be out of sight or out of mind," signaling his plans to continue influencing public discourse even after his presidency concludes.
Continued Public Presence and Legacy
The implications of Biden's decisions during and after his presidency are likely to be a significant aspect of his legacy. His choice to pardon his son and possibly others has set a precedent in how presidential pardon powers might be perceived and utilized in the future.
The ongoing House investigation, his refusal to pardon himself, and his proactive approach to protecting associates reflect a presidency intertwined with complex legal and moral questions. These elements are likely to influence both public opinion and historical perspectives of his time in office.
As President Biden prepares for his final address, the nation watches closely, ready to reflect on his tenure and anticipate the next chapter of American political life as the transition of power to President-elect Donald Trump looms. Biden's actions in these final days are set to form a critical part of discussions about governance, accountability, and the role of high office in navigating the waters of national and political challenges.