Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley & Jan. 6 Officials to Shield from Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his final hours as president, Joe Biden pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 committee, protecting them from potential Trump-led retribution. The extraordinary move aims to prevent political vendettas under Trump’s incoming administration. Biden emphasized the pardons as safeguards, not admissions of guilt.
Biden Pardons Quick Looks
- President Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, and Jan. 6 committee members.
- Move defends public servants from potential retaliation by Trump.
- Pardons safeguard reputations amid fears of political retribution.
- Biden’s clemency record includes 2,500 commutations of nonviolent drug offenses.
- Decision highlights concerns about democracy under Trump’s second term.
Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley & Jan. 6 Officials to Shield from Trump
Deep Look
Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley, and Jan. 6 Officials to Shield from Trump Retaliation
Introduction: A Historic Use of Presidential Powers
President Joe Biden, in a final and unprecedented act of clemency, has pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The preemptive pardons, issued hours before Donald Trump’s inauguration, aim to shield these individuals from potential political retribution by the incoming administration.
Biden’s decision follows Trump’s warnings of an “enemies list,” targeting those who opposed him or sought to hold him accountable for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump has also chosen Cabinet members aligned with his claims of election fraud, intensifying concerns about reprisals.
Biden’s Statement: Safeguarding Public Servants
“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden stated. While emphasizing that the pardons do not imply wrongdoing, he acknowledged that investigations alone could irreparably harm reputations and finances.
The president praised Fauci, Milley, and others for their dedication to public service, declaring, “Our nation owes these individuals a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment.”
The Pardon Recipients
- Dr. Anthony Fauci: As the long-serving director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Fauci led the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His public disagreements with Trump, particularly regarding unsubstantiated claims, made him a frequent target of criticism from the right. Fauci retired in 2022 but remains a polarizing figure.
- Gen. Mark Milley: The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was a vocal critic of Trump, describing him as a “fascist” and condemning his actions surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrection. Milley faced threats and scrutiny from Trump allies for his candid remarks.
- Jan. 6 Committee Members: Biden’s pardons extend to key figures like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, Republicans who defied their party to investigate Trump’s role in the Capitol attack. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified during the hearings are also included.
Breaking Political Norms: Preemptive Pardons
While presidential pardons at the end of a term are customary, Biden’s approach is highly unusual. Unlike typical acts of clemency granted to those already convicted of crimes, these pardons were issued preemptively. This bold move reflects Biden’s concern over the potential misuse of power under Trump’s administration.
Biden’s actions stand as a stark contrast to his longstanding reputation as a political institutionalist. Although he has promised a smooth transition and invited Trump to the White House, his clemency decisions signal a deeper unease about the fragility of democratic norms.
Biden’s Clemency Legacy
Biden’s pardons cap a presidency notable for its extensive use of clemency. In addition to these high-profile pardons, he commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. He also converted 37 federal death row sentences to life imprisonment, a significant departure from Trump’s unprecedented execution spree during the pandemic.
Democracy at Stake: A Final Warning
In his farewell address, Biden cautioned against the growing threat of oligarchy and urged Americans to remain vigilant. His preemptive pardons serve as a symbolic and practical measure to protect democratic principles and those who have worked to uphold them.
As Trump prepares to take office again, the pardons underscore Biden’s determination to guard against political vendettas that could harm public servants and erode trust in democratic institutions.
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