In an unprecedented move, aides to President Joe Biden are said to be debating whether to issue pardons to a number of well-known individuals

The White House is considering preemptive pardons of figures such as Liz Cheney, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Dr. Anthony Fauci to mitigate what the administration says could be potential repercussions from Trump's incoming administration, as the Daily Mail reports.

The idea of pardoning individuals who have not been formally charged with a crime has sparked controversy among Biden's team. Some officials fear it could be perceived as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing where none exists.

This consideration is taking place against the backdrop of Biden dealing with the ramifications of pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, over gun and tax offenses and any other crimes dating back to 2014.

Notably, President Biden has not yet been directly involved in these reported pardon deliberations.

Concerns Over Potential FBI Leadership

Many within the White House worry about the implications if Kash Patel, a strong Trump ally, assumes the role of head of the FBI. This scenario raises the possibility that Trump could employ federal law enforcement to pursue political opponents, a notion that is particularly unsettling given Trump's often vocal criticisms of specific public figures.

Cheney, a former GOP lawmaker, has been a significant target of Trump's ire due to her participation in the House's select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol unrest. Known declaring herself committed to prioritizing "country over party" during the 2024 campaign, Cheney's actions have previously prompted Trump to declare that she and the rest of the committee "should go to jail."

Schiff, a soon-to-be senator, has long been vocal in his criticism of Trump. As the lead manager in Trump’s first impeachment and a key figure in the Russia investigation, Schiff has become a frequent target of Trump's derogatory nicknames, such as "shifty Schiff" and "pencil neck." Schiff, however, has made it clear that he does not desire a pardon, viewing it as an unnecessary, defensive gesture.

“I would urge the president not to do that," Schiff shared with Politico, emphasizing his stance on the issue.

Fauci Under Microscope

Fauci, who became the face of the COVID-19 pandemic response, has also been criticized by Trump’s allies. Members of the conservative camp, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, have put forth serious allegations against Fauci, accusing him of "crimes against humanity."

Greene’s calls for his imprisonment echo similar rhetoric from Trump’s past rallies, where phrases like "lock her up" directed at Hillary Clinton resonated with crowds, though no legal action followed.

The Implications of Preemptive Pardons

The individuals potentially receiving these pardons were reportedly unaware of their consideration by the administration. This has triggered discussions about whether pardoning them could incite more division or serve as a protective measure against possible legal action initiated by a future Trump-led government.

Cheney’s participation in the Jan. 6 investigation and her outspoken stance against Trump highlight the complexities of the current political landscape.

Schiff’s involvement in high-profile investigations and the subsequent political fallout exemplifies the fraught relationship between him and the Trump political base. Despite this, Schiff, like Cheney, remains steadfast in his resolve and cautions against preemptive pardons from President Biden, which he believes could be misconstrued.

Navigating Complex Political Climate

The situation surrounding Dr. Fauci epitomizes the ongoing struggle between scientific authority and skepticism prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Biden's aides deliberate on this sensitive topic, the implications of any decision could reverberate through American politics. This debate over pardons serves as a microcosm of broader national divisions that continue to define the political discourse.

White House officials remain caught between what they say is their desire to shield political figures from possible vendettas and the risk of implying guilt where there is none. The outcome of the ongoing discussions will have significant implications as Washington braces for Trump's upcoming tenure.

Through these debates, Biden’s administration must weigh the value of preemptive action against potential misinterpretations, ensuring that any decisions made do not inadvertently deepen existing divides.