Michael Cohen is making headlines as he calls upon President Joe Biden to extend a presidential pardon to him before leaving office.

Cohen, formerly legal counsel to Donald Trump, says that being left without a pardon could expose him to future prosecution under the incoming administration of the president-elect, as Fox News reports.

The ex-lawyer's request for clemency stems from the belief that Biden has a duty to protect critics of Trump, much like he did for his son Hunter Biden.

The pardon plea was brought to light during Cohen's appearance on MSNBC's The Weekend"show. He expressed that, just as the president pardoned Hunter Biden in December despite significant public backlash, similar protection should be extended to him and others on what he refers to as Trump's "enemy list."

Cohen Serves Time After Legal Convictions

Cohen served a three-year sentence on charges including tax fraud, campaign finance violations, and misleading Congress. Notably, his incarceration included 51 days of solitary confinement, a period he has emphatically described as arduous and isolating.

During the program on MSNBC, Cohen underscored his sense of urgency and vulnerability. He argued President Biden is bound by the same ethical obligations towards him as he is towards his own child.

When Symone Sanders pointed out that Hunter Biden is the president's last surviving son, Cohen retorted that he, too, is someone's child, drawing a parallel based on familial ties.

Biden Faces Criticism for Past Decisions

President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, has already been a point of contention among critics. These critics argue that personal relationships may influenced his presidential decisions unduly. As Cohen highlighted his own familial connections, he relayed his expectation of receiving similar treatment.

Cohen's worries ahead of a second Trump administration have been apparent. He has articulated concerns over potential repercussions when Trump reassumes office.

Indeed, in September, Cohen shared tentative plans to leave the United States if Trump was re-elected, citing worries over personal safety and planning to acquire a foreign passport under a pseudonym.

Cohen Highlights Concerns Over Future Administration

Concerned about Trump's declared intentions, Cohen emphasized the importance of taking Trump's words seriously. He claimed that Trump has historically followed through on his announced objectives and expressed worry about the potential for these objectives to materialize over a four-year term. This includes fears of political retribution against critics and adversaries, further deepening Cohen's resolve to secure a pardon.

Cohen's testimony against Trump in the New York criminal case advanced by Alvin Bragg showcased his ongoing entanglement in legal proceedings related to his former employer. His participation in these testimonies reflects his broader engagement in controversies surrounding Trump.

Biden Weighs Pre-Emptive Pardons

In a broader context, Biden is reportedly considering pre-emptive pardons for other political adversaries of Trump, including figures like former Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. This indicates a broader strategy by the Biden administration to shield those who have publicly opposed Trump from potential retributive actions or prosecutions should Trump return to power.

Cohen maintains that pre-emptive pardons are not merely about shielding individuals but represent a commitment to preventing political vendettas. Furthermore, his reference to solitary confinement underscores his argument about the harsh realities faced by those who challenge figures like Trump.

Cohen Seeks Assurance Amid Political Shifts

With political tides potentially shifting as Trump prepares to assume office, Cohen remains keenly aware of what he perceives as a perilous environment for himself and others who have opposed the former president. The specter of returning to confinement or facing legal charges without the protective measure of a pardon looms large.

The question going forward rests upon whether President Biden will act on Cohen's request and extend protection. Alternatively, if Cohen’s expressions of concern prompt broader discussions about the use of presidential clemency in shielding political dissidents from reprisal, it might influence policy decisions.

As Cohen's situation garners attention, public and political reactions to Biden’s pardoning decisions will be closely watched. The implications could become significant should Biden's clemency agenda become a major point of contention in national discourse, especially amid an impending administration change.

Cohen’s outspoken demand for a pardon demonstrates the ongoing tensions within American politics as prominent figures grapple with the complexities of legal and ethical responsibilities amid shifting political landscapes.