WASHINGTON (AP) — In his final hours in office, President Joe Biden has utilized his executive powers to pardon Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. This move aims to prevent potential retaliation by the incoming Trump administration, following Trump’s warnings of an enemies list targeting those who opposed him politically or sought accountability for his actions related to the 2020 election and the Capitol riot. Biden emphasized that these pardons do not imply wrongdoing on the part of the recipients, but rather express gratitude for their dedicated service to the nation.
While it is customary for a president to grant clemency to individuals convicted of crimes at the end of their term, Biden’s use of this power is unprecedented. He has pardoned individuals who have not been formally investigated or accused of any crimes, highlighting the damaging impact of being under scrutiny even without proven guilt. Fauci, a key figure in the COVID-19 response, faced backlash for contradicting Trump’s claims and implementing public health measures. Milley, a former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, criticized Trump’s actions during the Capitol insurrection.
Additionally, Biden extended pardons to members and staff of the Jan. 6 committee, including Republican figures like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, as well as law enforcement officers who testified before the committee. By granting these preemptive pardons, Biden aimed to safeguard democracy against perceived threats posed by the previous administration. This decision reflects Biden’s commitment to upholding the nation’s values and protecting individuals who have served in the public interest.
In a significant move, President Biden has announced the commutation of sentences for 37 individuals on federal death row, changing their fates to life imprisonment. This decision comes shortly before the transition of power to President Trump, who has been a vocal advocate for the expansion of capital punishment. During his tenure, President Trump oversaw an unparalleled wave of executions, with 13 carried out amidst the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
