Why Biden Should Consider Pardoning Trump: An Op-Ed

The executive editor of National Review, Mark Antonio Wright, sparked debate last week with a provocative column. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive electoral victory, Wright urged President Joe Biden to extend an olive branch in the form of a presidential pardon.

While Biden did welcome Trump to the White House on Wednesday morning, no indication of a potential pardon has surfaced.

Wright’s Case for a Trump Pardon

Wright’s argument hinges on the principle of moving beyond divisive legal battles. He suggests Biden use his constitutional authority to pardon Trump for all pending federal charges and relieve Special Counsel Jack Smith of his duties. Furthermore, Wright proposes that Biden encourage New York Governor Kathy Hochul to pardon Trump for state-level convictions.

Despite acknowledging Trump’s culpability for some charges, Wright emphasizes the public mandate:

“A majority of the public chose to reelect Donald Trump as the next president of the United States. He deserves to enter that term in January 2025 with the slate wiped clean of the controversies of the previous era,” Wright writes.

Wright cautions that ongoing legal battles would undermine the stability of Trump’s presidency:

“No good at all will come of an American president fulfilling his constitutional duties under the cloud of pending criminal prosecutions.”

Historical Precedents

Drawing parallels to Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon, Wright describes Biden’s potential pardon as a statesmanlike move to heal the nation. He argues that such an act could end the cycle of politically charged prosecutions, or “lawfare,” that threaten to polarize the country further.

Challenges Ahead for Special Counsel Jack Smith

Meanwhile, Special Counsel Jack Smith, who initiated federal cases against Trump, is reportedly preparing to step down. Smith’s resignation would coincide with efforts to finalize reports on his investigations, including the January 6th Capitol riot and the classified documents case.

Sources indicate that Smith is working to conclude his role before Trump assumes office. Pending decisions include appeals related to a Florida ruling that dismissed the classified documents case and determining the future of Trump-related prosecutions.

Why Biden’s Decision Matters

A presidential pardon for Trump would carry significant political and legal implications. On one hand, it could signal a commitment to national unity and demonstrate Biden’s willingness to prioritize the country’s stability over partisan conflicts. On the other hand, it might draw criticism from those who see accountability as essential for preserving democratic norms.

Whether or not Biden acts on Wright’s suggestion, the debate underscores the complexity of navigating the intersection of law, politics, and public sentiment in a deeply divided nation.


Key Takeaways

  • Mark Antonio Wright argues Biden should pardon Trump to foster national unity.
  • Historical precedent exists in Ford’s pardon of Nixon.
  • Special Counsel Jack Smith is preparing to step down, leaving unresolved cases.
  • Biden faces a critical decision balancing unity and accountability.

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