Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson, the former chair of the House select committee on the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest, conveyed his openness to accepting a preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden amid concerns about the potential weaponization of government by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

In the last days in the White House, Biden is considering preemptive pardons for his critics amid what he says is the threat posed by the incoming Trump administration, with Thompson suggesting he would accept such a grant of clemency, as CBS News reports.

Thompson's concerns arise from public comments made by Trump, who has castigated members of the select committee, accusing them of illegal activities during their investigation into his actions surrounding the Capitol protest.

Trump has claimed that the committee destroyed crucial evidence and asserted that its members "should go to jail."

Biden's Position on Preemptive Pardons

President Biden has not made a final decision regarding the issuance of blanket preemptive pardons. This consideration is aimed at protecting critics and political adversaries who might face retaliation under Trump's leadership.

Thompson, despite saying he feels secure in his conduct, has signaled openness to a pardon due to the potential risks he perceives from Trump's words.

In a recent interview with CBS News, Thompson elaborated on his willingness to accept a pardon. He emphasized that Trump's rhetoric has made him apprehensive about the future and potential government actions targeting individuals simply for performing their duties. "I'm from a part of the country where speaking your opinion used to cost you your life," Thompson explained.

Thompson reflected on his upbringing and past experiences, stating, "When I hear someone about to be sworn into the presidency of the United States say he wants to lock you up for doing your job, I believe it." The potential for claims to morph into concrete measures underlines his consideration of accepting a pardon if offered.

Thompson Recalls Past Precedents

Biden recently awarded Thompson and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal. Their work on the select committee was honored amid the ongoing discussions around pardons, underscoring the political complexities of the situation.

The idea of preemptive pardons has sparked a range of responses from former committee members and other Trump foes. Some have outrightly rejected the notion of accepting a pardon, asserting that they have committed no wrongs during their time on the committee.

Rep. Pete Aguilar expressed his confidence in the committee's work, stating he does not consider a pardon necessary. He explained, "I stand by the work that we did. We didn't do anything wrong."

Difference of Opinions Among Committee Members

Similarly, Rep. Jamie Raskin invoked the "speech and debate" clause of the Constitution, arguing that it should already be enough to protect the legislative efforts made by the committee. For Raskin, the idea of needing a pardon seems irrelevant in any fair scenario, as he argued, "In any just world, they wouldn't need a pardon because they hadn't committed any crimes."

However, not all former committee members view a pardon in the same light. Sen. Adam Schiff shared his hesitation over blanket pardons, recommending against such widespread clemency. He stressed that the concept of sweeping pardons should be approached with caution, maintaining that "the idea of a blanket pardon 'of any kind' was a bad idea."

The discourse surrounding the potential pardons is rich with historical concerns and modern political dynamics. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger articulated a nuanced view that acknowledges Trump's proclaimed intentions while also expressing concern over how accepting a pardon might appear to the public.

Balancing Historical Precedents and Modern Realities

Kinzinger stated, "I understand the theory behind it because Donald Trump has clearly said he's going to go after everybody."

However, he argued that accepting a pardon might inadvertently suggest guilt, which contradicts the purpose of their committee work. "I'm guilty of nothing besides bringing the truth to the American people and in the process, embarrassing Donald Trump," he stated.

As Biden's decision looms, the contrasting reactions among former committee members highlight the gravity of the situation. While Thompson's concerns reflect the apprehension felt by some about Trump's impending term, others remain steadfast in their conviction that their actions and intentions were transparent and blameless.

The situation continues to captivate national interest, underscoring the deep political divisions and the evolving dynamics in American governance.