With the recent elections setting the stage for the upcoming Biden administration, the political climate is charged with tension, especially surrounding Donald Trump’s return to the spotlight. The former president’s actions and choices during this transitional period have incited significant debate, as concerns about transparency and ethical conduct continue to rise.
Following his election victory, Trump stands at the forefront of political reorganization, gathering from his past administration and enlisting various individuals linked to his previous tenure. The list of those who have sought Trump’s favor, particularly for pardons, is growing, raising eyebrows and questions about how he intends to use this presidential power.
Among the most notorious figures hoping to gain Trump’s clemency is Joseph Biggs, the leader of the Proud Boys, who is currently serving time for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 Capitol riot. Biggs has had his attorney reach out, requesting the former president’s intervention on his behalf. His legal counsel, Norm Pattis, argued for Biggs’s pardon, framing it as necessary for healing the divides created by the 2020 election fallout. He noted, “A pardon of Mr. Biggs will help close the wound and inspire confidence in the future,” invoking historical parallels to post-Civil War reconciliations.
Trump’s ability to issue pardons extends only to federal convictions, leaving many other requests unaddressed. This has not deterred celebrities such as Joe Exotic, infamous for his role in the Netflix series Tiger King, from penning letters of appeal. Serving time for crimes including wildlife exploitation, Joe Exotic is vocal about his hopes for presidential intervention, which he claims could reinforce Trump’s promises made during the campaign.
Similarly, former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is seeking Trump’s clemency after being found guilty of bribery, part of a significant $60 million corruption scandal. Householder’s attorney emphasized their connection to Trump, stating, “Larry has a long history with Donald Trump... I think he’ll be particularly receptive to this clemency request.” This claim throws open the doors of political cronyism and potential misuse of power associated with Trump’s expected administration.
Adding to the list are Todd and Julie Chrisley, former stars of the reality series Chrisley Knows Best, who’ve been sentenced for financial crimes totaling nearly $30 million. Despite being imprisoned, Todd Chrisley reportedly expressed elation over Trump’s win, believing strongly they will receive pardons due to the incoming administration.
Yet, the issue extends beyond individual cases of far-right convicts or famed personalities. Trump has also been accused of enabling potential financial corruption through his handling of transition funds and the lack of transparency surrounding donor contributions. Questions arise about the ethics of retaining secrecy over those who finance his transition to power, prompting critiques from various lawmakers. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has voiced concerns about the absence of necessary agreements to govern these financial interactions, stating, “By not signing the required paperwork, Trump remains unbound by donor contribution limits and disclosure requirements.”
Advocates argue for the need to instill accountability and transparency, especially following revelations of public and private interests intertwining with political maneuvers. For them, the matter embodies the essence of modern governance, and they urge Biden to take decisive action before leaving office. The urgency they feel is compounded by Trump’s earlier promises to crack down on various civil liberties and to leverage military force for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. With his administration showing signs of reinstated harsh policies, pressure mounts on Biden to proactively solidify civil rights and development frameworks before Trump’s anticipated return.
Comments from the ACLU highlight their concern over the increasing militarization of immigration policy during Trump’s last term. “We don’t need to put down runway for the Trump administration to put these mass detention and deportation machines to work,” warned Eunice Cho, urging Biden to halt the expansion of punitive immigration strategies. Activists' appeals for immediate action reflect their hope for legacy-building actions from the Biden administration, encompassing civil liberties and humanitarian concerns.
Meanwhile, among the Democratic ranks, there’s recognition of the failures contributing to Harris's electoral defeat. Senator Adam Schiff raised significant points about the party's need for resilience and adaptation, indicating the loss demands a collective acknowledgment of responsibility. He reiterated the party’s need for bold visions to motivate the electorate, which resonates with the core critiques of status-quo politics. Despite the pressures, Schiff contended, “We need to put forward a bold vision for how we’re going to move the economy forward,” indicating the necessity of strategic shifts to regain voter confidence.
The dynamics post-election seem set to stir tensions as Trump supporters rally around calls for pardons and those wishing for ethical governance, fighting for Biden's legacy need to assert themselves now more than ever. Meanwhile, the growing list of individuals seeking Trump’s clemency echoes the chaotic elements of his administration and the unpredictable nature he brings back onto the political scene.
What lies ahead remains uncertain, but as Trump reclaims the presidency, the swirling arguments, actions, and counteractions are signs of the upcoming storm, drawing sharp contrasts between contrasting political ideologies and how power may be exercised—or misused—in the coming years.