President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for not pardoning himself before leaving office, a remark widely seen as a warning about potential legal action against the former president.
During his first term, Trump openly threatened political opponents like Hillary Clinton, declaring in 2016 that she would "be in jail" if he won the presidency. However, after his election, he suggested he had no intention of pursuing prosecution against Clinton.
Behind closed doors, Trump reportedly urged his aides to investigate and prosecute figures like Clinton and former FBI Director James Comey. Legal advisors, including then-White House Counsel Don McGahn, cautioned him against weaponizing federal agencies for political purposes, deeming such moves potentially unlawful and counterproductive.
Now, as Trump begins his second term, he appears to have renewed resolve to target political adversaries. In an interview with Fox News on January 22, Trump criticized Biden for pardoning his family and aides involved in the January 6 investigation but not himself.
"Biden had bad advisors. Someone told him to pardon everyone except himself," Trump said. He added, "The funny—and maybe sad—thing is, he didn’t pardon himself. And if you look at the situation, it all points back to him."
Trump’s remarks seem to allude to allegations of corruption involving Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, though congressional Republicans have found no concrete evidence linking the president to wrongdoing after years of investigation.
A Shift in Approach
Trump has hinted that his stance on prosecuting political figures has shifted since his first term. "I went through four years of hell dealing with these people," Trump said. "It’s hard to argue that they shouldn’t face the same scrutiny."
While discussing the issue, Trump suggested Biden’s actions, including the alleged poor advice he received, could come under investigation. The president framed this as a broader issue of accountability, implying Biden might face consequences under his administration.
Legal and Political Dynamics
Trump has long accused the Biden administration of "weaponizing" the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target him, although there is no substantive evidence supporting this claim. Still, Trump appears intent on using his second term to challenge what he perceives as double standards in the justice system.
Analysts, including Aaron Blake of The Washington Post, note that Trump now commands a more loyal circle of advisors, which could enable him to pursue investigations against political opponents more aggressively. "What held Trump back during his first term was not just a lack of evidence but the resistance from those around him to uphold norms," Blake observed.
The potential for Trump to push legal action against Biden or other political rivals underscores a significant escalation in political polarization, raising questions about the future of bipartisan governance and the rule of law in the United States.
(Sources: Washington Post, AFP, Reuters)
