On October 1st, the website of US magazine Time published an exclusive interview with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to reports, when asked whether he would grant his government members ‘preventive pardons’ before the end of their tenure, thus protecting them from widespread prosecution threats, Trump replied, “Yes, of course I would do that.”
In 2025, as President Biden was about to step down, he granted ‘preemptive pardons’ to several officials and their son Hunter Biden, in order to deal with possible prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration.
Trump believes that Biden's actions set a precedent that can be used to eliminate any threats faced by his team members.
"Look, that 'Sleepy Joe' Biden, he pardoned everyone." Trump also retorted, "Are you saying I can't pardon? Can 'Sleepy Joe' do it?"
Previously, Trump stated that if the Democrats gain control of the House or the Senate in the midterm elections, their members will use their oversight powers to challenge his administration.
On September 28 local time, Reuters also quoted several sources from the U.S. Congress, including staff members, lawmakers, and lawyers, stating that if the Democrats win control of the House of Representatives or the Senate in the November midterm elections, Trump and his family's business empire could face congressional scrutiny. Among those expected to be among the first targets of investigation are the corporate donors to President Trump's businesses, as well as individuals involved in business transactions facilitated by members of Trump's family.
