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Fauci, Milley Among Recipients of Biden’s Controversial Pardons

Published

2 months ago

Jan 20, 2025.

Dennis

President Joe Biden issues pre-emptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and January 6 investigators.
Pardons aim to shield public servants from potential politically motivated prosecutions under the incoming Trump administration.
Biden emphasizes gratitude for their service, rejecting any acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Joe Biden has issued pre-emptive pardons for Anthony Fauci, key members of the January 6 riot investigation, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, aiming to prevent what he described as “unjustified… politically motivated prosecutions.”

In a statement, the outgoing president expressed gratitude for their service, saying, “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment.” Biden emphasized that the pardons should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing by any of the recipients.

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The move comes as Donald Trump prepares to take office on Monday. Trump has clashed with Fauci over pandemic policies and has suggested taking action against those involved in investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. He has also criticized Milley, calling him a “traitor,” after Milley publicly condemned Trump as “fascist to the core.”

Dr. Fauci welcomed Biden’s action, stating that the threat of politically motivated investigations has caused “immeasurable distress” to his family. “I have committed no crime, and there are no grounds for any criminal allegations against me,” Fauci said.

General Milley, 66, expressed relief in his statement, saying he wanted to avoid subjecting his family and colleagues to “distraction, expense, and anxiety” from potential retribution. Milley retired last year after a decades-long military career, during which he had frequent public disputes with Trump.

The pardons also extend to all members and staff of the House Select Committee that investigated the January 6 riot. Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who testified before the committee, said he was “eternally grateful” to Biden. “The political climate has made the need for this pardon a reality,” Dunn said, adding, “I was just doing my job and upholding my oath.”

Biden’s decision has drawn criticism from some Democrats, who fear it sets a dangerous precedent. Senator Adam Schiff warned that it could pave the way for future presidents to issue sweeping pardons as they leave office.