As President Joe Biden nears the final days of his presidency, he finds himself grappling with a range of decisions that could set the stage for his legacy. Among the most intriguing discussions circulating around the Biden administration is the potential for preemptive pardons—an unprecedented move to shield certain individuals from future prosecution. The idea of issuing such pardons, particularly for those who could face legal scrutiny under a future President Donald Trump, is a delicate topic, with Biden himself leaving the door slightly ajar for such a move, though no final decision has been made.
In a recent interview with USA Today’s Susan Page, Biden addressed the speculation about whether he might grant preemptive pardons, such as to former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming or Dr. Anthony Fauci. While Biden did not commit to a clear course of action, he acknowledged that the decision would depend on the individuals Trump selects for key positions in his administration. The possibility of such pardons highlights the tension and uncertainty looming over the political landscape, as Biden’s final months in office are marked by both reflection and anticipation of what comes next.
Biden explained that he had been upfront with Trump, particularly in a meeting shortly after Trump’s November 2024 victory. He recalled advising Trump that “there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for his interest to go back and try to settle scores.” This candid conversation reflects Biden’s attempts to steer the country away from further political division and retribution, urging a focus on unity rather than vengeance. Despite this, Biden noted that Trump did not offer a clear response to the advice, leaving the matter unresolved.
One of the more personal decisions Biden defended during the interview was his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Amid growing scrutiny of Hunter’s legal challenges, including tax and gun offenses, the president faced difficult questions about the precedent such a move could set for future administrations. However, Biden remained steadfast in his defense, asserting that Hunter had made amends by paying his taxes—albeit late—and that no one had yet been tried regarding the legal issues surrounding a document that prevents drug addicts from purchasing firearms. This decision to grant clemency to his son has sparked a broader conversation about the role of presidential pardons, especially when the individuals involved have such close familial ties to the sitting president.
While Biden navigates the complexity of pardons, he has also expressed deep concern about the state of American politics, particularly in the realm of misinformation. In his interview, Biden didn’t hold back in criticizing Trump for spreading false narratives, particularly following attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. Despite official investigations revealing that these were isolated incidents committed by American citizens, Trump insinuated that these attacks were part of a larger, coordinated invasion from the South. Biden lamented the fact that a large segment of the population would likely believe such claims, pointing to the dangerous impact misinformation can have on public opinion and democracy.
Biden's frustration with the spread of misinformation was not limited to Trump’s rhetoric. He also pointed to the way information is now transmitted—primarily through social media platforms that allow for the rapid dissemination of both true and false narratives. “How do you deal with that?” Biden asked, referring to the difficulty of countering misinformation in an age where truth seems to have become subjective, depending on the sources people trust.
Adding to the complexity of Biden’s reflections on his presidency is the ongoing concern about Trump’s potential return to the White House. Biden voiced apprehension about Trump’s ability to undo key legislative victories, particularly those related to climate change, healthcare, and infrastructure. He warned that if Trump focused on more tax cuts for the wealthy and dismantling important programs like the climate law, it could have dire consequences for both the economy and the country’s future. “I think he’s just going to hurt himself, hurt the economy,” Biden predicted, pointing to the widespread conservative support for many of these accomplishments, which could make it politically difficult for Trump to undo them entirely.
Despite his deep reservations about Trump’s potential actions, Biden remains optimistic about his own record and achievements during his presidency. Reflecting on his time in office, Biden expressed belief that, had he run for reelection, he could have won a second term. He pointed to polling data, though he did not specify the sources, suggesting that the public might have supported his bid for another four years. However, Biden candidly admitted that at 82 years old, he was unsure if he had the stamina to serve another full term. His reflections on his age and the desire to pass the baton to a younger generation reveal the complexity of his decision to step down at the end of his first term.
In the interview, Biden also expressed some regrets about the pace of his administration’s legislative victories. He acknowledged that more could have been done to expedite certain projects, particularly infrastructure improvements, which have been a major focus of his presidency. Biden’s frustration stemmed from the realization that some of the initiatives he championed were slower to materialize than he had hoped, which could have helped address some of the pressing issues Americans faced.
As Biden prepares to leave office, he is also preparing to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. Biden spoke fondly of Carter, calling him a “decent man” who genuinely cared about others. Reflecting on their close relationship, Biden recalled visiting Carter in Plains, Georgia, and discussing the future of the country, including implicit references to Trump’s presidency. Carter, a former president known for his post-presidential dedication to service, represents a contrast to the more divisive politics of recent years. Biden’s praise of Carter emphasizes the importance of decency and service in leadership, values that Biden himself has often sought to embody.
Looking ahead, Biden is also preparing for the arrival of a new generation in his family. He revealed that he is set to become a great-grandfather, with his granddaughter, Naomi Biden Neal, expecting a baby. The announcement adds a personal touch to an otherwise political discussion, as Biden’s family continues to grow and play an important role in his life and presidency.
As he wraps up his time in office, Biden’s reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of his leadership. From navigating the intricacies of preemptive pardons to addressing the pervasive issue of misinformation, Biden’s final days in office are a moment for introspection. He leaves behind a legacy shaped by significant accomplishments, personal challenges, and a desire for a more unified future—an ambition that will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for years to come.
These final days also present an opportunity to look back on Biden's presidency and the pivotal moments that defined his tenure. Whether it’s the decisions surrounding his son’s pardon or his criticism of misinformation, Biden’s reflections offer valuable insights into the complexities of leadership in the modern era. As his time in office comes to a close, the nation watches closely to see how these final decisions will influence the trajectory of American politics in the years ahead.
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