Why President Biden Should Pardon Trump Before He Is Sentenced

A Channel613.com Op-Ed

When President Joe Biden took office, he promised to dedicate his “whole soul” to healing the country, ending what he called our nation’s “uncivil war,” and “bringing America together.” However, rather than fulfilling that pledge, his administration has instead deepened divisions. His sharp criticism of Republicans—accusing them of supporting “Jim Crow 2.0” and likening them to historical segregationists like George Wallace and Jefferson Davis—has only exacerbated the political polarization. Biden’s failure to extend an olive branch has allowed the divide to grow even wider, with Biden referring to Trump supporters as “garbage,” a remark he later denied apologizing for. His approach has set the stage for a deeper rift, one that undermines his own vision of unity.

Now, as Donald Trump faces sentencing in the hush money case that has stained his legacy, President Biden faces a critical opportunity to do what he promised: heal the nation and bridge the divide. A pardon for Trump is not just a gesture of grace; it is a strategic act that could help set the country on a course for unity and effective governance. Here’s why.

A Pardon Would Strengthen Biden’s Legacy

By pardoning Trump before he is sentenced, Biden has a historic chance to demonstrate true statesmanship. This act would signal his commitment to healing the country and putting divisive politics behind us. A bold pardon would allow Biden to pivot from the fractured political climate of the past few years and take a decisive step toward reconciliation. If Biden genuinely wants to unite America, a pardon would be a symbolic and practical first step in showing that he can rise above partisanship for the good of the nation.

Preventing Further Damage to the Nation’s Unity

The political polarization between Republicans and Democrats has reached a crisis point. This divide threatens not only our national security and economic stability but also the very fabric of American society. Deep ideological rifts have shattered families, ruined friendships, and fractured communities, making it nearly impossible for the American people to respond cohesively to national challenges.

Polarization undermines effective governance. The system of checks and balances was designed with the understanding that compromise would be necessary, yet constant partisan gridlock leaves critical national issues—like healthcare, infrastructure, and education—unresolved. Worse, it stokes a political atmosphere where dialogue between opposing parties becomes nearly impossible. If both sides view each other as enemies, the political system is doomed to stagnate.

The financial and economic consequences of this gridlock are far-reaching. When political divisions paralyze Congress, the country faces unnecessary risk. Government shutdowns, unresolved debt ceiling debates, and delays in policymaking cause widespread market instability. Businesses hesitate to invest, and foreign allies begin to question the reliability of the American government. The deepening animosity between the two parties has started to harm the economy, diminishing America’s global standing.

A Historic Opportunity to Lead Beyond Partisanship

History offers us a clear lesson in moments of unity. America’s most significant triumphs—winning World War II, putting a man on the moon, and passing landmark civil rights legislation—came when the country set aside its political differences and worked together toward shared goals. These moments of national unity proved that political cooperation is not just a good idea; it is essential for the success and future of the nation.

Biden has the power to demonstrate to the world that the United States can overcome its internal divisions. Pardoning Trump, while politically risky, would show that America values national unity over political retribution. The presidency should be about more than just wielding power against opponents; it should be about leading the country to a higher ground.

A Pardon is Not Weakness—It’s a Necessary Tool for Healing

In a nation as diverse as America, compromise is not a sign of weakness; it’s an essential component of democracy. Compromise doesn’t mean surrendering one’s values, but it does mean acknowledging that diverse perspectives are vital to our national dialogue. The current political climate, fueled by mistrust and disdain, undermines the unity necessary for progress. This is a pivotal moment for both Biden and Trump to put the nation’s well-being above partisan interests.

Unity is not about pretending that we agree on everything—it’s about finding shared purpose despite our differences. President Biden has an extraordinary opportunity to model this form of leadership by granting a pardon to Trump. This act would send a powerful message that, despite the rancor of the past few years, the nation’s future can still be built on a foundation of shared values—freedom, democracy, and opportunity.

The Path Forward: Healing, Not Division

The alternative to this course of action is clear: continued escalation of political animosity. Such a path serves no one and undermines the very system both parties claim to protect. The future of the nation depends on finding common ground. A pardon for Trump would be a brave and strategic decision that advances this crucial goal. It would not only help President Biden heal the political divide but would also demonstrate to the world that America’s commitment to democracy is stronger than any individual conflict.

President Biden has an unprecedented opportunity to write a new chapter for the nation, one that embraces unity over division, healing over punishment, and cooperation over conflict. It is time for him to fulfill his promise to bring America together—by showing grace, leadership, and a willingness to put the nation’s future above the politics of the past.

1 Comments

  1. kashrusy on January 4, 2025 - 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm

    The one that would gain the most from a complete pardon of Donald Trump, is President Biden himself.