
President Biden issues controversial pardons to protect key figures from potential Trump retribution.
Quick Takes
- Biden pardons Dr. Fauci, Gen. Milley, and Jan. 6 committee members.
- Pardons issued for members of Biden’s family.
- Pardons seen as protection against possible Trump administration investigations.
- Move sparks criticism, with some calling it a breach of political norms.
- Fauci and Milley express relief and gratitude for the pardons.
Biden’s Controversial Pardon Strategy
In a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, President Joe Biden issued a series of pardons to several high-profile figures as his term came to an end. The pardons, which include Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the January 6th Capitol attack investigation committee, are being viewed as a strategic measure to shield these individuals from potential retribution by the incoming Trump administration.
The pardons were announced just before Biden departed from the White House, with President-elect Trump set to take office again. This timing has led many to interpret the action as a preemptive strike against what some fear could be a politically motivated pursuit of Biden-era officials and Trump critics.
Key Figures React to Pardons
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades and was Biden’s chief medical advisor until 2022, expressed relief at the pardon. Fauci, who faced criticism from Trump and his supporters during the pandemic, stated that he had been facing “politically motivated threats of investigation and prosecution.”
“Let me be perfectly clear: I have committed no crime and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me. The fact is, however, that the mere articulation of these baseless threats, and the potential that they will be acted upon, create immeasurable and intolerable distress for me and my family. For these reasons, I acknowledge and appreciate the action that President Biden has taken today on my behalf.” – Fauci
Retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also expressed gratitude for the pardon. Milley, who had criticized Trump and described his actions during the Jan. 6 insurrection, stated:
“My family and I are deeply grateful for the President’s action today. After forty-three years of faithful service in uniform to our Nation, protecting and defending the Constitution, I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.”
In addition, Biden offered pardons to multiple members of his family. “My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics,” Biden wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end.”
Criticism and Controversy
The pardons have not been without controversy. Critics argue that Biden’s actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine the integrity of the justice system. Sen. Eric Schmitt voiced his disapproval, stating, “The guy who claimed he would ‘protect norms’ continues to bulldoze them and the Constitution until the bitter end. Biden truly is one of the worst Presidents in American history and will only be remembered as the guy between Trump’s two terms.”
Notably absent from the list of pardons were Special Counsel Jack Smith, former FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The exclusion of these figures has led to speculation about the specific motivations behind Biden’s pardoning strategy.
Implications for Future Administrations
Biden’s use of pardons in this manner sets a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for future presidential transitions. It raises questions about the potential for broader use of pardons by incoming presidents to protect their allies and supporters from legal scrutiny.
As the nation grapples with another transition of power, the impact of these pardons on the political landscape and the justice system remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the deep divisions within American politics continue to shape the actions of those at the highest levels of government.
Sources:
- Biden pardons Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, J6 committee members
- Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley to Guard Against Potential Trump ‘Revenge’
- Biden pardons Fauci and Milley in an effort to guard against potential ‘revenge’ by Trump
- President Biden pardons family members in final minutes of presidency