Buffoon of the Week Staff
In his final moments as president, Joe Biden issued a series of controversial preemptive pardons, which quickly ignited a fierce debate. Along with the broader implications of these preemptive pardons that extended to the President’s own family, many are debating the effect these self-serving pardons will have on the outgoing president’s legacy.
Let’s break down the key points raised by this news, exploring the legal and political ramifications of these pardons, and assessing whether Biden’s actions were justified or simply one final act of egregious political hypocrisy.
Who Got These Preemptive Pardons?
Biden’s list of last-minute preemptive pardons included high-profile public figures such as General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, members of the January 6 select committee, and even certain members of his own family. Previously, the President had also pardoned his son, Hunter, after he was convicted on federal charges. These pardons sparked intense criticism, particularly because Biden intended them to shield Biden’s inner circle from potential prosecution or political retribution.
Biden’s decision to include family members has been particularly controversial, with critics alleging that the pardons covered up potentially corrupt business dealings with connections directly to the President.
Biden’s Final Act of Hypocrisy
Because the internet is forever, we can tall you that way back in 2020, then-President elect Joe Biden publicly denounced the idea of preemptive pardons. Particularly, Biden vociferously spoke out against pardons for family members or close political associates when then-outgoing President Donald Trump floated the idea in the media. During an interview with CNN, Biden argued that preemptive pardons undermine the credibility of the U.S. justice system.
Fast forward now to 2025, and Biden did the exact same actions which he swore he’d never do.
Biden suggested that issuing preemptive pardons would be a dangerous precedent, potentially weakening the nation’s rule of law. Yet, in his final days in office, Biden, in yet another example of hypocrisy that has been so prevalent these days, flip-flopped when his family and confidantes are involved. Professor Jonathan Turley coined the term “situational ethics” for Joe Biden; we wholeheartedly agree.
Legal Implications of Pardons: Implied Guilt?
In his announcement of these preemptive pardons, Joe Biden stated:
“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,”
However the law says something entirely different.
In the 1915 Supreme Court case of Burdick v. United States, the highest court in the land held that a pardon “carries an imputation of guilt and acceptance of a confession of it.”
This Supreme Court decision mirrors the same view that left-wing media held back in 2020 when discussing possible preemptive pardons from President Biden.
Left-Wing Media’s Double Standard on Preemptive Pardons
Some media outlets, including CNN and MSNBC, were quick to criticize Donald Trump for considering similar pardons for his family. Yet, those same outlets have largely downplayed Biden’s preemptive pardons, proving once again that but for double standards, hacks in media would have no standards at all.
Biden’s hypocritical pardons, including those for his family members, reflect a broader trend of political favoritism that undermines public trust in the justice system. We’ve seen this most recently during Senate confirmation hearings for Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi.
A Family Legacy Irradiated by Corruption
Biden’s preemptive pardons forever tarnish Biden’s family legacy. Biden’s association with these preemptive pardons—particularly the pardons for his family—will forever link his family name with scandal, corruption, and a lack of accountability. By issuing these pardons, President Biden have made it impossible to either clear his family’s name, or to get to the facts of the matter concerning allegations accusing his family of perpetuating an influence-peddling racket, profiting off of the Biden name.
Some Solace For Those Outraged By Biden’s Pardons
Despite the controversy surrounding Biden’s pardons, there may be a silver lining for those seeking accountability. With a Republican-controlled Congress under a newly-minted Trump administration, there remains the potential for new investigations into the individuals pardoned by Biden. These individuals, including members of the January 6 committee and Biden’s family members, would no longer be able to invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination as a shield against answering tough questions.
What do you think about Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons? Were they a necessary safeguard or a politically motivated act of self-interest? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
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