adminShould Biden Pardon Liz Cheney? The Strange Politics of Preemptive Pardons
With rumors swirling that President Joe Biden might issue preemptive pardons for his closest allies, one name stands out as especially curious: Liz Cheney. A former Republican congresswoman who made headlines for her outspoken opposition to Donald Trump, Cheney has become a political enigma—reviled by much of her own party and celebrated by Democrats as a “hero” of anti-Trump resistance.
But should Biden extend the ultimate olive branch and preemptively pardon Cheney, even though she hasn’t been charged with a crime? The idea is as bizarre as it is problematic. Here’s why.
A Pardon for What?
First, let’s address the obvious: Liz Cheney hasn’t committed any known crimes. Her most controversial actions—spearheading the January 6th Committee, voting to impeach Trump, and breaking ranks with her party—are political choices, not legal infractions. Pardoning Cheney preemptively would be akin to declaring her guilty of something before she’s even accused, a move that would only raise eyebrows and questions.
If Biden were to pardon Cheney, it would seem like an attempt to shield her from potential investigations by a future Trump administration. But what would those investigations entail? Cheney’s critics accuse her of weaponizing her congressional role against Trump, but proving any legal wrongdoing would be a steep climb. A pardon would only make her look complicit in something larger—whether or not that “something” even exists.
The Optics of Partisanship
Biden has positioned himself as a uniter, yet rumors of pardoning figures like Cheney risk reinforcing his image as a partisan operator. Cheney’s alignment with Democrats on the January 6th Committee may have endeared her to the left, but it alienated much of her own party. A Biden pardon for Cheney would look less like an act of unity and more like a reward for political loyalty—a kind of bipartisan cronyism that further divides the nation.
And let’s not forget, Biden’s rumored pardon list already includes controversial names like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Nancy Pelosi. Adding Cheney into the mix would make it clear that the president is using the pardon power to protect his inner circle and allies, rather than to uphold justice.
A Blow to Accountability
Cheney herself might not even want a pardon. As someone who claims to stand on principle, accepting a pardon could tarnish her carefully cultivated image as a truth-teller. It would open her up to accusations that she’s just another member of the political elite, gaming the system to avoid scrutiny.
More broadly, a pardon for Cheney would undermine the concept of accountability. If there’s nothing to investigate, why the pardon? If there is, let the legal system play its role. A preemptive pardon bypasses that process, sending the message that certain people are above the law.
What’s Biden’s Angle?
If Biden is considering pardoning Cheney, it’s likely less about her and more about Trump. Cheney’s role in opposing Trump has made her a symbol of resistance to the former president. By pardoning her, Biden could be signaling that he’s prepared to protect those who opposed Trump’s agenda, especially if Trump returns to the White House in January.
However, this strategy risks backfiring. Pardoning Cheney could alienate moderates and independents who are tired of political gamesmanship. It would also embolden Trump’s base, who already believe that the justice system is rigged against them.
The Bottom Line
Biden should think twice before adding Liz Cheney to his pardon list. A preemptive pardon for Cheney would be unnecessary, politically damaging, and a blow to the credibility of the justice system. If Cheney is truly a principled leader, as she claims to be, she doesn’t need a pardon.
Biden’s time would be better spent addressing the issues that matter to everyday Americans—like inflation, border security, and public safety—rather than playing political chess with pardons. For now, Liz Cheney can take care of herself.
