WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — President Joe Biden is weighing sweeping pardons for allies, who the White House believes could be targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, according to people familiar with the matter.
“I’m not going to get ahead of the President,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “What I can say is the president is reviewing pardons and commutations.”
President-elect Donald Trump plans to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray with Kash Patel. Wray has three years left in his 10-year term, meaning he would have to resign, or be fired.
“I like Director Wray. I think he’s been a consummate professional,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). “But there’s a lot of distrust in the FBI.”
Patel, a Trump loyalist, has listed the former government officials he would like to “come after.”
“I am vehemently against that nomination,” said Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.). “The FBI is tasked with protecting the American people. They prevent terrorist attacks. They enforce federal law. They provide essential training and support the local law enforcement agencies…. that is what the FBI is supposed to be doing. Not being turned into a tool to weaponize against Donald Trump’s perceived enemies.”
The Senate will also have to vote to approve Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) met with Bondi earlier this week.
“She understands the important role that courts and the prosecutors play,” Cornyn said. “What I want to do is to try to work with them, to try to make sure what happened to President Trump never happens again and that the Justice Department and the FBI doesn’t become a tool for political retribution.”
The Senate will hold hearings on President-elect Trump’s nominees early next year.
