Biden pardons Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley

Biden pardons Anthony Fauci anf Mark Milley.
Trump seeks to punish those who investigated him.
Tension in the middle of Trump’s inauguration.

In an extraordinary move, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden granted pardons on Monday, January 20.

The action was primarily aimed at shielding prominent officials and legislators from potential political retribution by the incoming administration of Donald Trump.

Notable recipients of these pardons include renowned physician Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and several members of the House of Representatives committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.

President Biden acts just hours before leaving office

In the final hours of his presidency, Biden exercised his executive powers, describing the decision as a measure to protect these officials from potential unwarranted persecution.

The action was prompted by Trump’s threats to compile lists of political adversaries.

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Biden emphasized that the move was also intended to shield those who have challenged Trump or sought to hold him accountable for his actions during and after the 2020 elections.

“This should not be seen as an admission of guilt, but rather as a tribute to the unwavering public service of these individuals,” Biden stated in an official announcement.

The pardons have generated an intense debate about the widespread use of this presidential prerogative.

Especially when applied to people who have not yet faced formal accusations.

Anthony Fauci was considered a key figure in the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And he became a recurring target of criticism and attacks from opposing political sectors due to his support for public health policies backed by science.

The pardons have sparked intense debate over the broad application of this presidential power, particularly when granted to individuals who have not faced formal charges.

Anthony Fauci, a central figure in the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was among the recipients.

He frequently found himself the target of criticism and attacks from opposing political factions due to his advocacy for science-based public health policies.

Joe Biden grants last minute pardons

Members and staff of the House committee that investigated the Capitol assault were also included in the additional pardons.

The committee had determined that Trump was involved in a «multi-pronged conspiracy» to overturn the 2020 election results, culminating in the violent events of January 6.

While Biden’s decision is legally permissible under presidential pardon powers, it has raised concerns about the potential precedent it sets for future administrations.

Critics argue that the preemptive use of pardons could enable political leaders to shield allies and themselves from future investigations and legal proceedings.

On his final day in office, Biden set a record for the number of individual pardons and commutations granted, highlighting his commitment to justice and institutional stability.

While some critics have questioned the necessity of issuing preventive pardons to individuals not facing formal charges, others view them as a prudent measure in an increasingly polarized and retaliatory political environment.