In his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for retired General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the January 6 Committee, along with Capitol and D.C. police officers who testified before the committee. The pardons, announced early Monday morning, sparked controversy as Biden justified them as a measure to protect public servants from “politically motivated prosecutions.”
The White House statement praised Milley, Fauci, and committee members as “dedicated, selfless public servants” who faced unjust threats and intimidation for carrying out their duties. Biden argued that investigations into these individuals were harmful and politically driven, asserting, “Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families.”
The pardons came amid criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accused Biden of shielding allies from accountability. House Oversight Republicans noted that Biden had also pardoned his son Hunter Biden, a move Biden had previously said he would avoid. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) tweeted, “Mark Milley might be pardoned, but we will continue to explore ways to hold him accountable.”
Biden’s pardons included the following justifications:
- General Mark Milley: Recognized for over 40 years of military service, Milley was commended for his leadership during global security threats and efforts to strengthen alliances.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci: Credited with managing the government’s response to multiple health crises, including COVID-19, Biden praised Fauci’s decades-long service in public health.
- January 6 Committee Members: Biden emphasized the committee’s integrity in investigating the Capitol riots, despite intense backlash from political opponents.
Republicans have called the pardons an attempt to deflect accountability and ensure political allies avoid scrutiny. The timing of the announcement, just hours before Donald Trump’s inauguration, underscored the deeply polarized state of American politics. Biden’s decision represents one of his final acts as president, solidifying his legacy as one focused on protecting allies from perceived legal and political threats.
