Former Biden Aide Mike Donilon on Presidential Pardons and Decision-Making Process

Presidential Pardon Process

• 📌 Mike Donilon, a former Senior Advisor to President Biden, explains his role in the presidential pardon process, stating his opinion was sometimes sought but he was not involved in every decision.
• 🏛️ The process was led by the White House Counsel's office, with discussions involving the President, and Donilon was not always included.

Hunter Biden's Pardon

• 💡 Donilon recalls that President Biden made the decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, without consulting him directly.
• 🗓️ He became aware of the pardon after it was issued, believing it occurred around Thanksgiving.
• 👨‍⚖️ Donilon also states he was not involved in any conversations regarding pardons for other members of President Biden's family.

Pardons for Other Individuals

• 🔬 Donilon confirms his participation in meetings where the pardon for Dr. Fauci was discussed.
• 🤝 He recalls that President Biden was present for the Dr. Fauci pardon discussion, where the case for and against it was presented before the President made the final decision.
• 🔄 The same process, involving presenting cases for and against, was followed for discussions regarding pardons for General Millie and members/staff of the January 6th committee.

Decision-Making Authority

• 🗣️ Donilon's sense of the process was that the White House Counsel organized and presented names for consideration.
• ❓ He is unsure if the President originated the idea for these pardons or if they were raised by others, but believes the President always made the final decision after hearing all sides.