Former President Bill Clinton has expressed openness to discussing a potential preemptive pardon for his wife, Hillary, with outgoing President Joe Biden, amid concerns that President-elect Donald Trump may target her during his second term.
Clinton made the remarks during an appearance on ABC's "The View," where he addressed the possibility of Trump pursuing political enemies, including Hillary, who has been a frequent target of Trump's criticism since the 2016 presidential election. (Related: Biden may grant PREEMPTIVE PARDONS to people who could be investigated and indicted under Trump.)
"I think if President Biden wanted to talk to me about that, I will talk to him about it," but added that he does not believe he is the appropriate person to offer public advice on the pardon power.
His comments come as Biden considers using his pardon authority to shield political figures who may face legal challenges under the Trump administration.
Hillary Clinton has been a focal point of Trump's political attacks, particularly over her use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State.
Trump frequently chanted "Lock her up!" at campaign rallies, and his nominee to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, recently suggested that Hillary may have committed federal crimes.
Bill came to his wife's defense, asserting that she "followed the rules exactly as they were written" and that official investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing. He also highlighted that Trump's State Department concluded Hillary sent and received zero classified emails on her personal device, calling the controversy a "made-up phony story."
Bill further criticized the potential pursuit of political enemies as a "fool's errand," arguing that such actions are often counterproductive. He expressed hope that Trump would not engage in such efforts, though he acknowledged that Patel could theoretically pursue legal action if determined to do so.
The Biden administration has reportedly discussed the possibility of issuing blanket pardons to protect political figures from potential legal threats under a Trump presidency. These pardons would not require evidence of wrongdoing but would shield individuals from costly legal battles.
Biden has already issued a controversial pardon for his son, Hunter, who was convicted on tax evasions and firearms charges. The White House defended the decision, stating that circumstances had changed, and Biden argued that his son was unfairly targeted due to his family connection.
The incoming Trump administration's potential actions remain a source of concern for political figures who have been critical of the former president. Patel has reportedly compiled lists of perceived "deep state" enemies, including Hillary and other prominent figures within Biden's Department of Justice. Patel's nomination has raised questions about the future direction of the FBI and its role in investigating political adversaries.
While Bill expressed reluctance to publicly advise on pardons, his willingness to engage in private discussions with Biden underscores the gravity of the situation. The prospect of preemptive pardons reflects a broader concern about the potential for political retribution in the upcoming administration.
As the transition to a second Trump presidency approaches, the use of the pardon power and the potential targeting of political opponents will remain key issues in U.S. politics. The Biden administration's decisions on pardons, as well as Trump's actions once in office, will likely shape the political landscape for years to come.
Watch this clip from "Wake Up America" on Newsmax discussing the increasing likelihood that President Joe Biden will pardon more of his family members accused of criminal activities.
This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.
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