Additional Pardons, Measures to Prevent Homegrown Extremism, and Military Aid to Israel: Biden’s Final Moves Ahead of Transition Date
President Joe Biden will embark on his final international trip before leaving office, traveling to Italy and Vatican City to meet with Pope Francis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and President Sergio Mattarella. The trip aims to discuss ways to advance peace around the world and highlight the strength of the U.S.-Italy alliance.
Upon his return, Biden will address the nation twice more before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, with one speech focusing on foreign policy and the other serving as a farewell address. Neither speech has been fully drafted.
The Biden administration is also considering additional pardons for individuals with harsh sentences, measures to combat domestic violent extremism, and an additional $8 billion in military aid to Israel. This comes after a record-breaking 1,500 commutations announced earlier in December.
Biden is also weighing whether to prosecute an additional 200 January 6 cases before Trump takes office, when he is expected to grant pardons to many individuals convicted of crimes related to the Capitol riot.
Some Democrats have criticized Biden’s actions, with a spokesperson for progressive nonprofit Justice Democrats calling it “one of the lamest of lame ducks” and a Democrat close to senior lawmakers stating there is a “total vacuum” in leadership from the White House. Republicans, on the other hand, have blasted Biden’s actions as an affront to the American public who voted for Trump.