In the hours leading up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, President Joe Biden issued a series of historic preemptive pardons on Monday, granting immunity to several individuals, including former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and members of the House January 6th committee. Biden articulated that these pardons were essential to protect public officials, such as General Mark Milley and Dr. Fauci, who had both excelled in their national service and faced threats and criminal charges for fulfilling their responsibilities.
In his statement, Biden underscored that these individuals had been subjected to politically motivated prosecutions and attacks. He praised Milley for his leadership amid international security challenges and Fauci for his extensive experience in managing public health crises. Furthermore, Biden defended the committee’s investigation into the January 6th Capitol attack, highlighting that its members had been unjustly accused of wrongdoing and subjected to intimidation.
Despite their steadfast commitment to the nation, Biden expressed his belief in the rule of law, arguing that the politically charged inquiries into these public servants were detrimental to their safety and reputations. He asserted that the pardons were necessary to protect those who had been unfairly targeted from further harm.
These pardons mark Biden’s final political actions as he prepares to exit office, coinciding with his approval ratings reaching a historic low. With his approval rating hovering around 37%, Biden is making a concerted effort to solidify his legacy before stepping away from the public sphere, leaving behind executive orders that may prove challenging for his successor to reverse.
