Joe Biden has issued pre-emptive pardons for Covid response chief Anthony Fauci and the members of the January 6 riot investigation committee to prevent what he described as “unjustified… politically motivated prosecutions.”
The outgoing U.S. president stated, “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment.”
Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated as president on Monday, frequently clashed with Dr. Fauci during the pandemic and has suggested he would take action against individuals involved in holding him accountable for the January 6 Capitol riot.
Biden also granted a pre-emptive pardon to Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who previously referred to Trump as “fascist to the core.”
In a statement, Biden clarified that the pardons should “not be mistaken as an acknowledgment” that any of those covered “engaged in any wrongdoing.”
However, some Democrats criticized the move. Senator Adam Schiff of California warned that Biden’s actions could set a “precedent” for “each president hereafter on their way out the door giving out a broad category of pardons.”
Dr. Fauci expressed gratitude for the pardon in an interview with U.S. media, stating that the threat of prosecution had caused “immeasurable and intolerable distress” to his family. “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,” he added.
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General Milley, 66, thanked Biden in a statement, saying he wished to avoid spending the rest of his life “fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.” He noted, “I do not want to put my family, my friends, and those with whom I served through the resulting distraction, expense, and anxiety.”
The pardons also extend to all members of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 riot, including their staff members and the officers who testified.
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn said he was “eternally grateful” to Biden, not only for the pardon but also for “his leadership and service to this nation.” He added, “Unfortunately, the political climate we are in now has made the need for [a pardon] somewhat of a reality. I, like all other public servants, was just doing my job and upholding my oath.”
Trump, in December, supported calls for the FBI to investigate fellow Republican Liz Cheney for her role in leading Congress’s probe into the Capitol attack.
As incoming president, Trump has signaled his intention to pardon some individuals convicted in connection to the Capitol riot. Speaking on Sunday, Trump stated, “You’re going to see something tomorrow. I think you’ll be very, very happy,” referring to those involved in the January 6 events.
On the campaign trail, Trump has often criticized “enemies from within” and endorsed figures promising retribution against his political opponents to join his administration. However, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, stated during her confirmation hearing that there would never be an “enemies list” and that she would not allow the Justice Department to be used for politically motivated targeting.
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