Peoria Standard

Tazewell County Republican Chairman Jim Rule has expressed concern over President Biden's recent pardons, describing them as a "blatant abuse of power" that undermines accountability. Rule shared these remarks with the Peoria Standard on January 21.

According to CNN, in his final moments as president, Joe Biden issued sweeping preemptive pardons to critics of former President Trump and members of his own family. Among those pardoned were Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 committee. Critics argue that this unprecedented use of presidential power undermines accountability by shielding political allies and family from legitimate scrutiny. The move is viewed by some as an attempt to avoid investigations into allegations of influence-peddling and corruption. These pardons, announced just before Trump's inauguration, have set a controversial precedent that many believe contradicts principles of fairness and justice.

In a social media post on January 20, Taylor Budowich, President Trump's deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, said: "Joe Biden’s final act as president will go down as the greatest attack on America’s justice system in history. With the stroke of a pen, he unilaterally shielded a group of political cronies from the scales of justice. This is yet another dangerous and unreversible erosion of American norms."

Rule was first elected chairman of the Tazewell County Republican Party in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he focuses on increasing Republican voter turnout, expanding party membership, and communicating positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters.