Democratic powerbroker Jim Clyburn urges Biden to pardon Trump, sparking controversy and raising questions about justice versus national unity.
Should he do it?
At a Glance
- Rep. Jim Clyburn advocates for Biden to issue a preemptive pardon for Trump
- Clyburn’s influence led to Biden pardoning his son Hunter
- The suggestion aims to “clear the air” and focus on serving all Americans
- Proposal sparks debate on accountability vs. national reconciliation
Clyburn’s Controversial Proposal
In a shocking turn of events, Democratic South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn has urged President Joe Biden’s staff to consider issuing a “preemptive” pardon for President-elect Donald Trump. This unexpected move comes on the heels of Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter, which Clyburn reportedly influenced. The proposal has sent shockwaves through Washington, igniting a fierce debate about the balance between justice and national unity.
Clyburn, a key figure in Biden’s 2020 primary success, believes that issuing preemptive pardons could help “clear the air” and allow the government to focus on serving all Americans rather than becoming entangled in legal pursuits involving Trump and others. This strategic move aims to foster nationwide reconciliation by setting the stage to let bygones be bygones.
Jim Clyburn reveals he told Biden’s staff to push president to pardon Trump https://t.co/6QxnBEGBOG
— American Wire News (@americanwire_) December 6, 2024
The Hunter Biden Connection
The roots of this controversial proposal can be traced back to Clyburn’s influential role in convincing President Biden to pardon his son Hunter. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Clyburn’s pivotal role, stating, “This is Clyburn’s words: ‘The president was reticent’ when he tried to encourage him to pardon Hunter. … I think that’s important to note.”
Hunter Biden had been convicted of three felony charges related to lying on a gun purchase form in 2018. Biden’s decision to pardon his son was met with significant backlash, with critics accusing the president of abusing his power for personal gain. This controversy set the stage for Clyburn’s even more audacious proposal regarding Trump.
But let’s be honest here – Biden didn’t really need that much convincing to pardon his son. Especially knowing there was a chance Trump wouldn’t do it – or, at least, pardon him for as many years as Biden ultimately did.
Notice how the pardon begins in the same year Hunter Biden took a seat on the Ukrainian energy company’s board…just saying.
The Case for Pardoning Trump
Clyburn’s argument for pardoning Trump centers on the idea of national reconciliation and moving forward.
He stated, “I have not urged the president directly, but I did have that discussion with the members of his staff that I thought he ought to do that.” The congressman believes that such a move would remove these divisive issues from the political agenda and prevent Trump from potentially using them to his advantage in the future.
“And so, I’ve asked the president’s people to consider preemptive pardons for all those people, get it off the table. Get it off the table, because I know Donald Trump and I think the country knows Donald Trump.”
This suggestion has gained traction among some unlikely allies.
NewsNation host Chris Cuomo and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith have also advocated for Biden to pardon Trump. Smith argued bluntly, “Enough is enough. You know what? You’re the Democrats, you lost the election. You got your butt whipped.” This sentiment reflects a growing fatigue with the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding Trump.
If Biden pardons him now, wouldn’t it prove that this was all political to begin with?
