With wildfire smoke clouding the Washington Monument in the distance, President Biden walks across the South Lawn as he leaves the White House for a day trip to New York City on June 29, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Reports of potential pre-emptive pardons for people who could face Trump's political wrath started to surface after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, following his conviction on felony gun and tax charges. The pardon came after Biden said he was not considering such a move.
Biden continued handing out pardons and commutations during the waning days of his presidency. Last month, he set a record for the largest single-day act of clemency when he commuted the sentences of roughly 1,500 people in mid-December.
Some Democrats have warned the move to issue additional broad-based pardons for Trump's political targets – on Biden's way out the door – could set a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, others have publicly advocated for the pardons over fear of what Trump might do.
From left to right, Sen. Adam Schiff, Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Rep. Liz Cheney are considered by Biden aides for potential pre-emptive pardons, per Politico. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful [way his] first year … towards individuals who he believes harmed him," Markey told Boston Public Radio following Trump's November election victory. "If it’s clear by January 19th that [revenge] is his intention, then I would recommend to President Biden that he provide those preemptive pardons to people, because that’s really what our country is going to need next year."
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-pre-emptive-pardons-trump-targets-liz-cheney-fauci-others