In a surprising turn of events, former President Joe Biden’s final act of clemency has stirred controversy by excluding key figures involved in investigations against Donald Trump. This move has sparked debate about the motivations behind Biden’s choices. Who were the key figures left out of Biden’s pardons?
Biden’s Clemency Decisions: A Closer Look
Former President Joe Biden’s final days in office were marked by a series of pardons, but notably absent from the list were key figures involved in cases against Donald Trump. This decision has drawn attention to the ongoing legal battles surrounding the president.
Among those not pardoned were Jack Smith, the special counsel who pursued federal cases against Trump, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. These individuals have been at the forefront of investigations into Trump’s actions both during and after his presidency.
Biden preemptively pardoned the January 6th committee.
Accepting a pardon is an admission of guilt. pic.twitter.com/oNg4MZ9jb9
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) January 21, 2025
Trump’s Response and Ongoing Legal Challenges
Trump has been vocal in his criticism of what he calls “Corrupt Democrat judges and prosecutors” targeting him unjustly. He has specifically called out Jack Smith, referring to him as “Deranged” in public statements.
The former president’s legal troubles include a case led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, resulting in Trump being found guilty of falsifying business records. Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump’s New York criminal trial, sentenced him to an unconditional discharge.
President Biden on December 3, 2020: You’re not going to see preemptive pardons in our administration.
President Biden left office in disgrace today preemptively pardoning several corrupt government officials and his family. pic.twitter.com/Qc4fwZ6ANH
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) January 20, 2025
Implications for Future Legal Proceedings
The decision not to pardon these key legal figures may have significant implications for ongoing and future legal proceedings against Trump. Jack Smith’s resignation and report on Trump’s efforts to retain power and classified documents unlawfully remain central to these cases.
In Georgia, the Court of Appeals disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from a Trump-related election interference case. This development has led Trump to question the integrity of those involved in the legal proceedings against him.