In one of his final acts before leaving office, President Joe Biden issued pardons to several individuals, including General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. These pardons came just hours before the presidential transition to Donald Trump, who had previously threatened prosecution and harassment against those involved in investigating the events surrounding the Capitol attack.
Biden’s statement highlighted the critical role public servants play in the functioning of democracy, emphasizing their selflessness and dedication. He pointed out the alarming threats and intimidation faced by these individuals for fulfilling their duties, particularly those involved in the investigation of the January 6th attack. Milley, Fauci, and the members of the Select Committee were specifically mentioned as targets of such threats, with their actions and testimonies being scrutinized and politicized.
The Select Committee, which was primarily made up of Democrats but also included Republican members like Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, had played a key role in investigating the Capitol insurrection. The committee’s work led to the unanimous vote in 2022 to subpoena Donald Trump and refer him for prosecution. Law enforcement officials who testified before the committee, particularly those from the U.S. Capitol Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police, were also included in the pardons.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), had been a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic and was a frequent target of Republican-led investigations. Fauci faced numerous death threats and public attacks, especially due to his role in promoting the COVID-19 vaccine and addressing the origins of the virus. His leadership in the public health response made him a divisive figure, with some accusing him of misleading the public and showing no remorse for the consequences of his actions.
General Mark Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, had also become a target after his public criticism of the former president. Milley described Trump as a “fascist to the core” and a dangerous figure for the country. In response, Trump launched personal attacks on Milley, even suggesting that he should be executed for his comments. These actions prompted Biden to issue a pardon to Milley, emphasizing the need to protect public servants who had been unfairly targeted.
Biden’s statement emphasized that the pardons were not an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing by the recipients. Instead, they were issued in recognition of the exceptional circumstances and the political nature of the investigations and prosecutions against these individuals. The president reiterated his belief in the rule of law and expressed optimism that the nation’s legal institutions would ultimately prevail over political motivations. However, he noted that the mere act of being investigated or prosecuted could have lasting, irreparable consequences for individuals, even if they were ultimately exonerated.
The pardons were part of Biden’s broader commitment to defending the integrity of public service and protecting individuals from politically motivated attacks. He stressed that these individuals had acted in good faith and in the best interest of the nation, and that they deserved gratitude rather than punishment. Biden’s decision to issue the pardons also followed a controversial move in December 2024, when he pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of felony firearm offenses and tax crimes. In that case, Biden defended his son, stating that Hunter had been treated differently due to political motivations aimed at undermining his father’s presidency.
The pardons granted by Biden reflect his belief in the importance of protecting public servants from political retribution and ensuring that those who have dedicated themselves to the country’s well-being are not unfairly persecuted for their actions.
