President Joe Biden is considering preemptive pardons for some of Donald Trump’s high-profile critics, depending on whether Trump signals plans for retribution upon returning to power. Biden expressed his frustration at having to consider pardons for political enemies but did rule out the possibility of pardoning himself, stating that he had done nothing wrong.
During a speech on the economy, Biden highlighted another month of job gains, ensuring that his term would not see a month of net losses. He also discussed his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race after a poor debate performance, believing it was best to unify the Democratic Party and give Vice President Kamala Harris a chance to defeat Trump.
Although Biden had planned to visit Rome for a private audience with the Pope, he canceled the trip due to wildfires in southern California. He spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing confidence in Ukraine’s ability to win its war against Russia with support from western European allies.
The White House imposed sanctions on Russia’s oil industry, aiming to weaken President Vladimir Putin. Biden acknowledged that the sanctions could lead to a slight increase in gas prices but believed it was necessary to support Ukraine. He urged lawmakers to continue funding Ukraine’s defense and expressed hope that Trump would maintain U.S. support for the country.
Looking ahead to his post-presidency, Biden hinted at staying involved in politics. He emphasized that he would not fade into obscurity and expressed a desire to remain visible in the public sphere.
Overall, Biden’s remarks covered a range of topics from potential pardons to international relations and domestic policy. His focus on unity, support for Ukraine, and continued political engagement underscored his commitment to leading the country in a challenging political landscape.
