These pardons were granted shortly before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci (the US’s Covid-19 response leader), and members of Congress who investigated the January 6th Capitol attack.
In a statement, Biden cited concerns about unjust criminal prosecutions against these officials.
He emphasized Milley, Fauci, and the January 6th Committee members and staff, stating that these individuals served with honor and shouldn’t face politically motivated prosecutions.
Biden praised Milley’s distinguished military career, highlighting his service in protecting democracy, and lauded Fauci’s contributions as former NIAID director and chief medical advisor during the pandemic, crediting him for making the US safer and healthier.
Regarding the January 6th Committee, Biden said its members held accountable the mob that violently attacked the Capitol to overturn the 2020 election.
“These pardons are not an admission of wrongdoing by any individual, nor should their acceptance be seen as an admission of guilt. Our nation owes these public servants deep gratitude for their service,” Biden stated.
While Biden highlighted Milley’s career, Trump accused him of treason for allegedly assuring China the US wouldn’t attack. Trump called this action deserving of death.
Trump, a long-time critic of Fauci, deemed him a disaster for his pandemic response. Fauci has faced criticism for downplaying vaccine side effects and advocating strict lockdowns.
Trump dismissed the January 6th investigation as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
Biden issued these pardons just hours before Trump’s inauguration. Trump has promised to pardon some January 6th rioters upon assuming office.