Biden pardons Dr. Fauci, Mark Milley, Jan. 6 committee members.m4v

On January 20, 2025, in his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for several notable figures including Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. These pardons were described as a protective measure against potential "politically motivated prosecutions" by the incoming Trump administration. Biden emphasized that these actions were not an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing by the pardoned individuals but rather a safeguard for dedicated public servants who had faced threats and intimidation. The move was seen by some as unprecedented, using presidential clemency power to preemptively shield individuals from possible future legal actions.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who had served as a key figure in the U.S. response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed gratitude for the pardons, citing the relief from potential legal battles and the protection of their families from associated distress. The members of the January 6 committee, including high-profile figures like Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, also received these pardons, with statements indicating appreciation for the recognition of their service under challenging circumstances.

This action by Biden was part of a broader set of pardons that included his family members, highlighting concerns over political vendettas in the new administration. The response to these pardons has been mixed, with some viewing it as a necessary shield against political retribution, while others see it as an inappropriate use of executive power.

Posts on X have reflected this division, with some users criticizing the move as an undermining of the principle that "no one is above the law," while others saw it as a critical intervention to protect public servants from baseless persecution.