Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), former chair of the January 6th Committee, indicated Thursday that he would accept a preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden if offered. The remark came during an interview with CNN’s Jim Acosta, as speculation swirls over whether Biden will use his pardon power to shield allies from potential targeting under a second Trump administration.
Acosta posed the question bluntly during the exchange: “Congressman, apparently, the White House is discussing preemptive pardons for people who may be targeted by Trump when he gets back in office. Do you want the President to offer some kind of pardon to you? As strange as it is to ask that question, I’m just wondering what you think.”
Thompson, who led the high-profile committee investigating the January 6th breach on the U.S. Capitol, acknowledged the unusual nature of the discussion but said he would accept the offer. “Well, you know, the President, it’s his prerogative,” Thompson responded. “If he offers it to me or other members of the committee, I think I would accept it. But it’s his choice.”
“I thank the staff of the committee who did a wonderful job,” Thompson said. “I thank the witnesses who were primarily Republicans