Biden's Warning to Trump
President Joe Biden revealed that he warned Donald Trump against pursuing political retribution during a meeting at the White House in November. Biden, in an interview with USA Today, said he advised Trump to avoid settling scores, labeling it counterproductive to his interests.
“I tried to make it clear that there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for his interest to go back and try to settle scores,” Biden stated. He noted that Trump did not respond explicitly but listened without rejecting the suggestion.
Possible Pardons for Cheney and Fauci
Biden also confirmed that he is contemplating pre-emptive pardons for former public health official Dr. Anthony Fauci and ex-Republican Representative Liz Cheney. Cheney co-chaired the bipartisan investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack, while Fauci led the U.S. pandemic response.
Trump has publicly called for harsh penalties for both Cheney and Fauci. Cheney, according to Trump, should face a military tribunal for her role in investigating January 6. Fauci has faced criticism from Trump’s supporters for his pandemic-era policies, including mask mandates. Biden’s decision on the pardons hinges on Trump’s potential appointments should he reclaim the presidency.
Trump Privately Praised Biden
Despite harsh public criticisms of Biden’s presidency, Trump privately praised some of Biden’s achievements during their White House meeting. Biden shared that Trump commended his economic record. Publicly, however, Trump has referred to Biden’s presidency as a “disaster” and claimed he is the “worst president in American history.”
Biden on His Decision Not to Run
Biden, who stepped aside for Kamala Harris in the recent election, expressed confidence that he could have defeated Trump had he remained in the race. “Based on the polling, I think yes,” he said, though he acknowledged his age, now 82, as a factor in his decision to pass the baton.
Harris's loss, Biden argued, reflects a broader international trend of voters rejecting incumbent governments amid global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justification for Hunter Biden's Pardon
Biden defended his decision to pardon his son Hunter, who faced tax evasion and firearm-related charges. While Biden had previously ruled out a pardon, he cited Hunter’s efforts to pay his taxes and address addiction issues as reasons for his change of heart.
“He’s doing great; God loves him,” Biden said, emphasizing his son’s journey to sobriety and personal redemption.
Biden on U.S. Alliances and Global Challenges
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden claimed credit for strengthening U.S. international alliances and supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. He invoked a remark by the late Henry Kissinger, who praised Biden’s leadership in reducing Europe’s fear of Moscow.
“Not since Napoleon has Europe not looked over its shoulder at Moscow with dread, until now,” Biden quoted Kissinger. As his presidency draws to a close, Biden remains focused on shaping his legacy and addressing global challenges in an interconnected world.
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