In a bold and unprecedented move in the final hours of his presidency, President Joe Biden issued pardons for several high-profile figures, including General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress who served on the Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The pardons serve as a protective measure against potential political retribution from President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to take action against some of the individuals involved.
The pardons mark a dramatic use of executive power, aimed at shielding those who have been vocal critics of the incoming administration. Among those granted clemency are former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who was a key member of the committee and a target of Trump’s wrath. Biden’s decision to issue the pardons comes amid growing fears of politically motivated prosecutions, threats, and intimidation against public servants who have upheld their duties.
In a statement, Biden emphasized the importance of these individuals in maintaining the integrity of the nation’s democracy and the rule of law. “Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy,” Biden said. “Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”
General Milley, who served the United States for over four decades and led the Joint Chiefs of Staff during key moments of military tension, and Dr. Fauci, the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, were among those who faced significant personal and professional risks due to their roles in the government. Biden praised Milley for his leadership during global security challenges and Fauci for his critical work in managing public health crises, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pardons also extend to members and staff of the Select Committee that investigated the Capitol riot, which saw a violent mob storm the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Despite facing personal attacks, the committee members conducted their work with integrity to uncover the truth behind the insurrection.
Biden’s statement further clarified that the pardons did not imply guilt on the part of the recipients, but rather served as a shield against politically motivated prosecutions. “This is a matter of protecting public servants from undue and unjust retribution,” he said. “These individuals have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be targets of baseless investigations.”
Among those praising Biden’s actions was Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Hill police officer who testified before the Select Committee. “I am eternally grateful to President Joe Biden, not just for this preemptive pardon, but for his leadership and service to this nation,” Dunn said. “I, like all of the other public servants, was just doing my job and upholding my oath, and I will always honor that.”
Dr. Fauci also expressed his appreciation for the pardon, though he stressed that he had not requested it. “As the President said, we did nothing wrong, but the baseless accusations and threats are real for me and my family,” Fauci said in response to the decision.
The pardons issued by President Biden represent a rare and significant use of executive authority, highlighting the deepening political divisions in the country as Trump prepares to take office once again. With the U.S. facing the prospect of further political battles, these pardons serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between political power and public service.
