Biden preemptively pardons Dr. Fauci on his last day in office

Joe Biden preemptively pardons Fauci, Cheney, Milley to shield them from potential Trump investigations.

President Joe Biden took an unprecedented step on Monday by issuing preemptive pardons to shield several prominent figures from potential prosecution under President-elect Donald Trump. 

This decision comes as a response to concerns over politically motivated investigations during Trump’s second term, with these individuals believed to be potential targets.

Among those granted pardons are retired General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Anthony Fauci, the former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and key members of the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Notable committee members include former GOP Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, as well as Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

Biden defended the pardons, stating, “These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions.” The figures pardoned have been targets of criticism from Trump in the past. Trump had called Milley a “traitor” and blamed Fauci for mishandling the COVID-19 response. He also attacked members of the January 6 committee, suggesting they should be jailed for investigating the Capitol riot, which injured 140 police officers and temporarily halted the Electoral College vote certification.

Although none of the individuals pardoned have been charged with crimes, Biden’s move reflects a concern that Trump’s administration might retaliate against those who opposed or criticized him. Biden highlighted the damage caused by baseless investigations, stating that even those ultimately exonerated can suffer irreparable harm to their reputations, safety, and financial security.

This action follows a similar pardon Biden issued in December for his son, Hunter Biden, which aimed to shield him from potential future charges under Trump’s Justice Department. While the White House had discussed preemptive pardons for weeks, legal experts have raised concerns. Preemptively pardoning individuals who have not been charged with crimes could set a controversial precedent, potentially allowing Trump to take similar actions in the future. Some critics also note that accepting a pardon can imply guilt, complicating the legal and political implications of such a decision.