The outgoing US administration fears retaliatory attacks from critics such as former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney.
American President Joe Biden is considering whether to grant amnesty to current and former government officials who are at risk of being targeted by President-elect Donald Trump.
The president has discussed countermeasures against possible retaliatory attacks with top aides, but no decisions have yet been made, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to the Associated Press and Reuters news agencies on Thursday.
The conversation heated up after Trump touched on Kash Patel, who has vowed to retaliate against critics of the president-elect, for the FBI director's role, an idea that gained further currency when Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday.
Sources said nervous former officials have reached out to the White House in an effort to avoid damaging and costly investigations, but aides worry that granting immunity in cases where no crime has been committed could backfire, inviting lawsuits against Trump and his own. friends.
The US Constitution gives the president broad pardon powers, but prior pardons for crimes not yet indicted have not been vetted.
Among those allegedly under consideration are former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, Trump critic Dr. Anthony Fauci, who helped coordinate Biden's response to COVID-19, and California senator-elect Adam Schiff, who led the first effort to impeach Trump.
Threats from Trump
Trump has circulated social media calling for the arrest of Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence and others. He also raised a post on social media that suggested he wanted military courts for alleged treason charges.
The first move, first reported by Politico, will mark a novel deployment of constitutional presidential powers.
Trump reportedly considered this move for himself and his supporters after a failed bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election that led to riots at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Biden pardoned his son not only for his convictions on federal firearms and tax violations, but for any crime that occurred during the 11-year period, providing a model for additional protections that can be given to officials.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters earlier this week that they expect more pardons from Biden before his term ends.
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