Former President Bill Clinton warns President Biden against the use of preemptive pardons amid mounting political investigations.
At a Glance
- Bill Clinton cautions against preemptive pardons for Hillary Clinton.
- Biden’s recent pardon of Hunter Biden draws criticism.
- Trump disapproves of Biden’s pardon decisions.
- Debate over the use of presidential pardon powers intensifies.
Clinton’s Advice to Biden
Bill Clinton has publicly advised President Joe Biden to refrain from issuing preemptive pardons for individuals such as Hillary Clinton. Speaking at the DealBook Summit in Manhattan, Clinton highlighted that any potential legal charges against Hillary would be baseless. His comments arise amidst discussions of Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, which has already sparked controversy. Clinton himself noted that Biden’s decision to pardon his son might be seen as a “self-inflicted wound.”
Clinton believes that Biden faces harsh judgment not only for pardoning his son but for the broader implications this could have politically. The concern is that such decisions might look like a precedent for Trump’s potential pardons related to the January 6 riot. Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter, who faced charges of illegal gun purchasing and tax evasion, was made despite previous assurances that he would not do so.
Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024
The Broader Political Debate
The discourse surrounding presidential pardons has intensified following Biden’s decision regarding his son. Critics argue this move could pave the way for Trump to pardon his allies. Clinton too acknowledged that, historically, the president’s use of pardon power has raised eyebrows and highlighted his own controversial pardons, including his half-brother, Roger Clinton.
“I personally believe that the president is almost certainly right that his son received completely different treatment than he would have if he hadn’t been the president’s son, in this kind of case.” – Bill Clinton
Clinton suggested that the scrutiny surrounding the pardon process might necessitate a broader conversation on the matter. This discourse is particularly salient as Trump openly criticized Hunter Biden’s pardon and raised questions about the potential for pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol breach.
Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024
Clinton’s Concerns for Hillary
Bill Clinton expressed clear opposition to any preemptive pardons for Hillary Clinton, insisting that any alleged legal charges from past investigations, such as her private email server use, would be unsubstantiated. A previous State Department investigation found some security violations but did not result in charges.
His comments came as a response to a question on Biden possibly pardoning individuals from a list suggested by Trump associates. Meanwhile, the White House continues to consider additional pardons and commutations, as stated by press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This ongoing debate highlights the political ramifications and precedents surrounding the use of presidential pardon powers in current American politics.
Sources
1. Biden Shouldn’t Preemptively Pardon Hillary Clinton, Says Bill Clinton
2. Bill Clinton backs president’s pardon of Hunter Biden
