Geraldo Rivera, co-host of Fox News’ The Five, faced criticism after suggesting that President Joe Biden should pardon former President Donald Trump in exchange for Trump dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Rivera made the statement on Twitter, calling on Biden to end the “tortured nonsense” and grant Trump a pardon for any federal allegations.
Rivera’s proposal received backlash from both Trump supporters and critics. Former US Assistant Attorney General Jeff Clark responded, stating that it is unconstitutional for the Department of Justice to try to leverage Trump out of the race under the threat of criminal penalties. The group ‘Republicans Against Trump’ simply responded with a firm “Hell no.”
The controversy surrounding Rivera’s suggestion led to his name becoming a top trending topic on Twitter. However, this wasn’t the first time Rivera had proposed a pardon for Trump in exchange for dropping out of the race. In May, he tweeted a similar idea, comparing it to President Gerald Ford’s pardon of President Richard Nixon and suggesting clemency for incitement of the January 6th violence and other federal allegations, with the condition that Trump would no longer seek the presidency.
Rivera’s proposals sparked debate and strong reactions on social media, reflecting the polarizing nature of discussions surrounding Trump and potential legal actions against him.
“As I have said consistently, President Biden should stop this tortured nonsense immediately,” wrote Rivera on Twitter following news of Trump’s indictment. “In exchange for former President Trump dropping out of the race for the White House, Biden should pardon him for any and all federal allegations.”
As I have said consistently, President Biden should stop this tortured nonsense immediately. In exchange for former President Trump dropping out of the race for the White House, Biden should pardon him for any and all federal allegations.
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) June 9, 2023
An example of a social media post written for an audience of 1: Leader. Of course it makes no sense as a proposition because the point is to show loyalty to the cult master. https://t.co/meEpgUxq25
— Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) June 9, 2023
.@GeraldoRivera, you and Rachel Maddow have given away the game.
This isn’t about vindicating the criminal law or protecting the public (this is a purported document crime, which isn’t a crime, it’s a civil Presidential Records issue, and it’s victimless).
It’s completely… https://t.co/aI8nhn5sSU
— Jeff Clark (@JeffClarkUS) June 10, 2023
