Is a Preemptive Pardon Legal? Biden Considers Measure for White House Officials

Outgoing President Joe Biden is said to be considering preemptive pardons for a number of officials and allies who could be targeted by Donald Trump when he takes up the presidency next month.

Historically, pardons are issued to those who have already been accused of specific crimes, such as in the case of Biden recently pardoning his son Hunter Biden. Preemptive pardons, though unusual, do have a historical precedent.

Pardons for crimes that people have not yet been accused of are currently being deliberated by White House lawyers, and Biden has discussed the issue with senior aides, ABC News reported.