Sen. Bernie Sanders has raised concerns over the potential risks of President Joe Biden’s sweeping pardon of his son Hunter, calling it a "dangerous" precedent for future administrations.

Sanders also suggested that Biden may want to consider issuing preemptive pardons for individuals like Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Rep. Liz Cheney before leaving office, even as he criticizes the grant of clemency for the first son, as the New York Post reports.

The presidential pardon granted on Dec. 1, covers Hunter Biden’s tax and gun charges, while also shielding him from any offenses committed -- charged or uncharged -- against the U.S. between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 1, 2024.

Hunter, aged 54, is at the center of a controversial decision that has drawn significant criticism from various quarters, including Sanders.

While acknowledging that Biden may be trying to protect his son, Sanders cautioned that the "very wide-open" nature of the pardon could cause issues for future presidents. "I think the precedent being set is kind of a dangerous one," Sanders stated, emphasizing the potential for future complications.

Sanders Questions Future Implications

The broader concern for Sanders lies in the implications this decision might have for future presidencies. The senator warned that such a broad pardon could lead to unforeseen problems for future administrations. In particular, he mentioned the possibility of President-elect Donald Trump issuing pardons for those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest, which has raised concerns among Democrats. Trump, at 78 years old, has suggested that he might pardon those convicted in connection to the events of that day once he takes office.

Sanders also floated the idea that Biden could consider issuing preemptive pardons for individuals like Dr. Fauci, who has faced political backlash over his role in the government's pandemic response, and former Rep. Liz Cheney, a key figure in the House Jan. 6 Committee. "I think he might want to consider that very seriously," Sanders said, highlighting the broader political implications of pardons that could involve high-profile figures from both parties.

Debate Over Pardons and System Integrity

The debate over Biden’s pardons also extends to concerns over the integrity of the justice system. Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar expressed her opposition to some of the recent pardons granted by Biden, particularly those that involved individuals with troubling criminal histories. "This whole process cries out for reform because otherwise, you undermine the justice system," Klobuchar remarked, referring specifically to a case involving a man from Duluth, Minnesota, who was involved in a major drug operation.

The controversy surrounding these pardons is compounded by the pardons granted by Biden just last week to more than 1,500 individuals, including a person who stole $53 million from taxpayers and a judge implicated in the notorious "Kids-for-Cash" scandal in Pennsylvania. These decisions have ignited heated debates among lawmakers and the public, with Klobuchar calling for reform of the clemency process and the establishment of an outside board to review pardons.

Sanders Responds to Trump’s Comments

In addition to addressing Biden’s controversial pardons, Sanders was vocal about former President Trump’s comments regarding the potential imprisonment of individuals like Liz Cheney, who was heavily involved in the investigation of Jan. 6. Trump had initially argued that members of the committee, including Cheney, "should go to jail," but later clarified that he would not instruct his FBI director to pursue any action. Sanders quickly condemned Trump’s rhetoric, labeling it as "authoritarianism."

"This is what authoritarianism is all about," Sanders remarked, stressing that elected officials should not be persecuted for conducting investigations or disagreeing with the president. The senator’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between the two political factions, with the topic of presidential pardons becoming a flashpoint in the debate over executive power.

Biden’s Legacy and Sanders' Concerns

Despite his concerns about Biden’s pardoning decisions, Sanders acknowledged the strength of Biden’s legacy, particularly on domestic policies. Sanders praised Biden as the most progressive president since Franklin D. Roosevelt, citing his efforts to tackle healthcare reform and other key issues. However, Sanders' concerns about the implications of Biden’s pardoning power suggest that he believes the president may be overstepping in certain areas, particularly when it comes to protecting his family.

As Biden continues to navigate the contentious political landscape, the topic of presidential pardons remains a sensitive issue. Sanders’ criticisms reflect a broader unease among some Democrats who fear the long-term consequences of such sweeping executive actions. The potential for further pardons, particularly for individuals involved in controversial political events, is likely to remain a key issue in the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election.

Growing Divide Within Democratic Party

Amid the controversy, Sanders' comments have also highlighted growing divisions within the Democratic Party. While many Democrats support Biden’s decision to protect his son, others, like Klobuchar, have voiced concerns about the fairness and consistency of the clemency process. The debate is further complicated by the broader political context, with the specter of a possible Trump presidency raising questions about the future of the justice system and the role of executive pardons.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, too, has made headlines for controversial comments regarding the limits of political violence. Initially stating that "violence is never the answer, but people can only be pushed so far," Warren later clarified her remarks, emphasizing that "there is never a justification for murder." Sanders defended Warren, arguing that her comments were misunderstood and that she fully recognizes the unacceptability of violence.

Public Reactions and Political Polarization

The recent discussions surrounding pardons and political violence come at a time of heightened polarization in American politics. The tragic killing of former UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson has also been linked to the growing frustration many Americans feel toward the healthcare industry’s profit motives. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, reportedly had a grudge against the industry due to his own health issues, sparking a wider debate about healthcare access and corporate greed.

While some individuals online expressed sympathy for Mangione’s actions, including former journalist Taylor Lorenz, who stated she took "joy" in the killing, Sanders was quick to condemn violence in all forms. "Killing is unacceptable," he stated firmly, reinforcing his stance on the need for peaceful resolutions to political and social grievances.

As the conversation continues, both Democrats and Republicans will likely need to navigate the complexities of executive power, pardons, and political responsibility in the run-up to the 2024 election.