In his final acts as U.S. president, Joe Biden issued pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack, and several members of his own family. The move comes as Donald Trump, inaugurated as president shortly after noon on Monday, has warned of a political "enemies list" targeting those who opposed him or sought accountability for his role in the 2021 insurrection.
“These pardons should not be seen as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing by any individual, nor should their acceptance be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt,” Biden said in a statement. “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”
While it’s customary for presidents to issue clemency at the end of their term, such gestures are typically reserved for ordinary citizens convicted of crimes. Biden, however, has used this power in an unprecedented manner, pardoning individuals who have not been formally investigated or charged. Among those receiving pardons were his brother, James Biden, and his wife, Sara; his sister, Valerie, and her husband, John Owens; and his brother, Francis.
Biden justified these pre-emptive pardons by citing ongoing attacks and threats against his family, which he described as “the worst kind of partisan politics.” Last month, he also pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for tax and gun-related offenses. Efforts by congressional Republicans to link Biden to alleged business dealings by Hunter and James Biden culminated in an impeachment inquiry but ultimately failed to gain traction.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biden’s chief medical adviser until 2022, expressed gratitude for the pardon. Fauci, who coordinated the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, became a polarizing figure, facing intense criticism from Trump and his allies over policies such as mask mandates. “I have committed no crime... and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of prosecution against me,” Fauci said.
Retired General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also received a pardon. Milley had publicly criticized Trump, describing him as a fascist and recounting Trump’s behavior during the January 6 insurrection. Since leaving office, Milley has faced threats and accusations of treason from Trump, prompting him to adopt additional security measures.
“I do not wish to spend my remaining years fighting those who unjustly seek retribution,” Milley said in a statement, adding that he wanted to spare his loved ones the stress and anxiety such conflicts could bring.
In his farewell statement, Biden underscored the challenges faced by those he pardoned, noting their “ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”
