Biden still mulling preemptive pardons as Trump prepares to take office

President Joe Biden told USA Today he still hasn’t decided whether to issue preemptive pardons to political allies before he exits the White House, confirming that he’s yet to close the door on insulating those who President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have threatened to target for prosecution.

He said he also told Trump not to target his perceived enemies.

“I tried to make clear that there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for his interest to go back and try to settle scores,” Biden said, adding that Trump only listened, not confirming whether he intended to target the president’s political allies.

The discussions around Biden’s possible preemptive pardons was first reported by POLITICO last month, as the president and his aides grew increasingly concerned about the number of current and former officials who could be targeted. Those include former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and former NIAID director Anthony Fauci, who could face inquiries and even indictments — concerns that only grew after Trump’s selection of Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Democrats and Biden allies have continued to press the president to make the move in his final days.

In the wide-ranging interview, Biden also discussed his fears about Trump undoing his policies. On the economy, Biden said his greatest concern is that Trump could eliminate elements of the climate law, kick back restrictions on drug manufacturers and cut infrastructure programs.

The president also said he could’ve won reelection — a reflection of his defensive posture in the months after Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat. “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” he said, adding that it’s because of the polling he had reviewed.

But he was less sure about whether he had enough vigor to serve another four years.

“So far, so good,” he said. “But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old? … who the hell knows?”