In a significant move during his final hours in office, President Joe Biden has granted pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack. This decision aims to shield them from potential “revenge” actions by the incoming Trump administration.
Protecting Public Servants from Political Retaliation
Biden’s pardons come in response to Donald Trump’s previous warnings about targeting those who opposed him politically or held him accountable for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump has appointed Cabinet members who support his election claims and have pledged to take action against his investigators.
In a statement quoted by The Associated Press, Biden clarified, “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be construed as an admission of guilt.” He further emphasized the nation’s gratitude towards these public servants for their unwavering commitment to the country.
Unprecedented Use of Presidential Clemency
Traditionally, presidents extend clemency to individuals convicted of crimes, offering a path to redemption. However, Biden’s move to preemptively pardon individuals who have not been formally accused breaks from convention. Despite the absence of charges, Biden stated that potential investigations could irreparably harm reputations and finances, even if the individuals are ultimately exonerated.
Key Figures in the Pardons
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and was Biden’s chief medical adviser until 2022, played a crucial role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. He faced significant criticism from Trump and his supporters for not endorsing Trump’s pandemic-related claims, making him a target of right-wing animosity.
Retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, publicly criticized Trump and his actions during the January 6 insurrection, calling him a fascist.
Among those pardoned are former Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both Republicans who served on the January 6 committee, along with Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the panel.
Biden’s Legacy of Clemency
Biden has set a record for granting the highest number of individual pardons and commutations. Recently, he commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses and reduced the sentences of 37 out of 40 people on federal death row to life imprisonment. This stands in stark contrast to Trump’s administration, which oversaw 13 federal executions during his first term.
A Smooth Transition with a Warning
Despite his efforts to ensure a smooth transition by inviting Trump to the White House, Biden has consistently warned of the dangers posed by Trump’s return to power. In his farewell address, he cautioned against the threat of oligarchy and underscored his commitment to protecting democracy.
Biden’s decision to issue these preemptive pardons underscores his concerns for the nation’s democratic integrity and signals a departure from political norms.