- President Biden issued preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and others.
- The move aims to protect individuals from potential retaliation by Donald Trump’s administration.
- Pardons extend to members of the January 6 investigative committee and law enforcement witnesses.
President Joe Biden, in a bold and unprecedented move, issued preemptive pardons on Monday to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 investigative committee. This decision, announced during his last hours as president, seeks to shield these individuals from possible legal retaliation under incoming President Donald Trump. The pardons also extend to law enforcement officials who testified about the Capitol attack.
Biden justified the extraordinary use of executive power, saying, “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — the mere threat of politically motivated prosecutions can irreparably harm reputations and finances.”
Reasons Behind the Pardons
The move comes as Trump signaled his intention to pursue legal actions against critics and those who investigated him. Biden, alarmed by these threats, acted to prevent what he described as “baseless and politically motivated investigations” that could undermine democratic values.
Trump, set to assume office at noon, has promised to pardon individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which injured 140 law enforcement officers and left a lasting mark on U.S. history. Biden’s pardons, however, seek to protect those who resisted Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and upheld their duties despite intimidation.
Recipients and Their Roles
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was among the pardoned. Fauci faced criticism from right-wing groups for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for challenging Trump’s unproven health claims. He defended science-based public health policies throughout the crisis.
Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also received a pardon. Milley had criticized Trump’s response to the Capitol riot and expressed relief over Biden’s intervention, saying, “I do not wish to spend my remaining years fighting unjust retribution.”
The pardons extended to members of the January 6 committee, including U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers. These officers had testified about the violence they endured during the riot. The committee, led by Reps. Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney, concluded that Trump led a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election.
Unprecedented Use of Presidential Powers
Biden’s decision marks the first time a U.S. president has issued such broad preemptive pardons. Traditionally, clemency is granted to those convicted of crimes, not as a preventive measure. Biden defended his actions, emphasizing their necessity in safeguarding public servants from political vengeance.
The move echoes past presidential decisions, such as Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal. However, unlike Nixon, none of Biden’s pardon recipients faced formal charges or investigations, underscoring the unique nature of this decision.
A Controversial Move
The pardons have sparked intense debate. Critics believe they create a dangerous precedent for future presidents to grant blanket immunity, while supporters argue they are essential to safeguard democratic values and prevent the abuse of power in politically charged situations.
Some recipients, like former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, hesitated to accept the clemency. They feared it could be seen as an admission of guilt. Biden clarified that the pardons “should not be mistaken as acknowledgment of any wrongdoing.”
Through these pardons, Biden shows his concern for the fragility of democracy. He aims to protect those who fought for constitutional values, setting a precedent that balances accountability with shielding public servants from political harm. This move highlights the delicate balance of executive power.