Inside look: Biden's unique plan to use presidential powers before White House exit
White House legal team explores unprecedented use of presidential pardoning power. Internal discussions focus on protecting officials from potential political targeting after upcoming administration change
In a unprecedented move President Joe Biden and his team are looking into using presidential pardons in an unusual way before leaving office. The White-house legal department leads talks about protecting government workers and allies from possible unfair treatment (when the new administration takes over)
The idea — which hasnt been tried before in this way — shows how the transfer of power raises complex questions. Biden discussed this with his top advisers but nobody made final choices yet; the whole thing might not even happen
White House sources (who dont want their names used) say the discussions are still in early stages: these talks focus on using the Constitutionʼs pardon power in a way thats different from past presidents. The legal team is checking how far such pardons could go and what risks they might bring
The talks show a careful balance between protecting people and not over-using presidential powers. Its worth noting that while the discussions are happening behind-the-scenes many experts think this kind of broad pardon would be something new in U.S political history
