Biden pardons Fauci, Milley in final hours as US President
US President Joe Biden attends a Sunday service at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, on January 19, 2025. (AFP Photo)
U.S. President Joe Biden issued an unprecedented series of preemptive pardons Monday to several high-profile public officials, including former Covid-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci and retired Gen. Mark Milley, citing concerns about potential “politically motivated prosecutions.”
The extraordinary move, announced during Biden’s final hours in office, extends protection to members, staff and witnesses of the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
“These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said in a statement. “These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.”
The pardons come amid heightened political tensions, particularly concerning Dr. Fauci, who became a polarizing figure during the Covid-19 pandemic. His public health guidance during Trump’s first term drew criticism from conservative circles, including from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who had called for Fauci’s prosecution.
Biden pardon mainly includes Trump allies
Gen. Milley’s relationship with Trump deteriorated after revelations that he had contacted his Chinese counterpart following the Capitol riot to assure Beijing of U.S. stability. Milley had also described Trump as “fascist to the core” and “the most dangerous person to this country” in conversations with journalist Bob Woodward.
The pardons also shield former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney and other January 6 committee members. Biden emphasized that the pardons “should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”
“Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden stated.
The move comes as Trump, who has faced multiple criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election, has promised “retribution” against political opponents. Trump has characterized his legal challenges under the Biden administration as “lawfare.”
