Democratic Congressman Urges Biden to Issue Blanket Pardons Amid Concerns Over Trump’s FBI Nominee
Representative Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) called on President Biden Wednesday to issue blanket pardons for individuals who might become targets under the leadership of President-elect Trump’s proposed FBI Director, Kash Patel.
In a strongly worded statement, Boyle warned that Patel’s appointment signals an intent to use the FBI to settle personal grievances rather than focus on justice and the protection of the American people.
“By choosing Kash Patel as his FBI Director, Trump has made it clear that he is more focused on settling personal scores than on protecting the American people or upholding the rule of law,” Boyle wrote.
He emphasized that this threat is not hypothetical, pointing out that law enforcement officers, military personnel, and other individuals could face intense legal challenges under Patel’s leadership.
“These patriots shouldn’t have to live in fear of political retribution for doing what’s right,” Boyle said. “That’s why I’m urging President Biden to issue a blanket pardon for anyone unjustly targeted by this vindictive scheme.”
Patel, a controversial figure, has reportedly outlined plans to overhaul the Justice Department if confirmed as FBI Director. His proposals include firing senior officials and demoting employees who were involved in investigations of Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
This strategy has raised alarm among lawmakers, with some arguing that Patel’s lack of experience—having never led an FBI field office—could undermine the integrity and functionality of the agency. Critics argue that his appointment would disrupt operations, dismantle existing structures, and distract the FBI from its core mission.
“If we’re serious about stopping Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, we need to act decisively and use every tool at our disposal,” Boyle wrote. “Norms and traditions alone won’t stop him—Trump has shown time and again that he’s willing to ignore them to consolidate power and punish his opponents.”
Boyle’s call for blanket pardons comes amid broader discussions about clemency in President Biden’s final months in office.
After Biden announced on Sunday that he would pardon his son, Hunter Biden, many Democrats have urged the president to extend clemency to other individuals who could be unjustly prosecuted under the next administration. Boyle echoed these calls, urging Biden to act boldly and decisively to protect those who may face retaliation.
“The time for cautious restraint is over,” Boyle concluded. “We must act with urgency to push back against these threats and prevent Trump from abusing his power.”
The statement reflects growing concerns among Democrats about the potential for Trump to use his administration to pursue political vendettas.
Boyle’s proposed solution—a blanket pardon—would aim to shield individuals from retaliatory investigations or prosecutions and counter what he sees as a dangerous shift in the use of federal law enforcement.
