Outgoing US President Joe Biden has issued pre-emptive pardons for several high-profile figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former chief of the US COVID-19 response, and members of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. The pardons are aimed at protecting these individuals from “unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions” following claims of potential retribution by the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
Biden expressed his belief that the nation owed these public servants a “debt of gratitude” for their tireless work. He defended their service, stating that they had “served our nation with honor and distinction” and did not deserve to be targeted by politically charged legal actions. He made it clear that the pardons should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
This move is particularly significant in light of the ongoing tensions between Biden and Trump, who will be inaugurated on the same day. Trump, a frequent critic of Dr. Fauci, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has suggested in the past that he would take action against Fauci and others associated with efforts to hold him accountable for the events of January 6. Fauci, who had a prominent role in the federal response to COVID-19, became a polarizing figure during Trump’s presidency, facing relentless criticism from the former president and his allies.
Biden’s pardons also extend to retired General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has publicly criticized Trump, calling him “fascist to the core” and warning about the dangers of his leadership. Milley had expressed fears of being court-martialed for disloyalty after Trump lost the 2020 election and was accused of trying to undermine the democratic process.
The pre-emptive pardons include those for the staff and officers who testified during the January 6 hearings. Biden’s actions come amid Trump’s statements that he plans to pardon some of the individuals convicted for their involvement in the Capitol riot. Trump has made it clear that his administration will not shy away from punishing his political opponents, suggesting that his incoming cabinet will seek retribution.
While Biden’s pardons are intended to protect these public servants from political vendettas, they have sparked concern among some Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff, who warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. As the political climate grows increasingly polarized, the battle over the legacy of the January 6 riot and the individuals involved remains far from over.
