Biden issues extraordinary pardons ahead of Trump’s inauguration
Biden issues extraordinary pardons ahead of Trump’s inauguration

In a historic move during his final hours in office, U.S. President Joe Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to a wide array of individuals, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Biden described the action as necessary to protect them from potential “politically motivated prosecutions” under the incoming Trump administration.
“These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be targets of baseless and unjustified attacks,” Biden said in an official statement. “These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot, in good conscience, stand idly by.”
The pardons cover individuals who played key roles in highly controversial matters during Biden’s presidency, including Fauci, who was a central figure in the nation’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Fauci often clashed with former President Donald Trump during Trump’s first term, becoming a polarizing figure and a target of criticism from Trump allies, including Elon Musk.
General Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was also included in the sweeping pardons. Milley drew Trump’s ire for remarks he made to journalist Bob Woodward, where he described Trump as “fascist to the core” and a significant danger to the country. Milley further angered Trump after disclosing that he had contacted China post-January 6 to reassure them of U.S. stability.
Trump, who has pledged “retribution” against his perceived political enemies, previously suggested that Milley’s actions were treasonous, saying on his Truth Social platform that such actions warranted the death penalty in earlier eras.
Biden’s pardons extended to members and staff of the January 6 committee, including Liz Cheney, a Republican who became one of Trump’s most vocal critics. Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, played a pivotal role in investigating the Capitol riots.
In his statement, Biden condemned “baseless and politically motivated investigations,” emphasizing the harm they inflict on the lives and families of targeted individuals. He clarified that the pardons do not imply any wrongdoing by those involved, nor do they serve as admissions of guilt.
The unprecedented move marks the conclusion of Biden’s presidency as Trump prepares to take office, having repeatedly claimed victimhood over his own legal troubles, which include charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Biden’s decision is likely to deepen the already significant partisan divide in the country.