The President of the United States, Joe Biden, issued preemptive pardons to key figures such as doctor Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the committee that investigated the Capitol riot. This measure was taken to prevent the new administration of Donald Trump from punishing them for their past actions.
Biden explained:
These public servants “have served our nation with honor and distinction” and should not be subject to “unjust and politically motivated persecutions”.
However, the President clarified that granting these pardons does not imply acknowledging that they have committed any crime.
Fauci and Milley: Dedication to Public Service
Anthony Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly 40 years, played a central role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, first under Trump‘s administration and later as Biden’s chief medical advisor. Fauci became a target of criticism from the right, especially for his public health policies during the pandemic.
On the other hand, General Mark Milley, who was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also received the pardon. Milley openly criticized Trump, calling him a “fascist” and detailing his behavior during the Capitol riot in 2021.
The Political Context of the Pardons
Biden’s decision comes at a delicate time. Donald Trump, who will again assume the presidency, has pointed to several political opponents in his list of “enemies.” Some of these individuals, such as Fauci and Milley, could face punishment for their actions during Trump’s term, especially regarding the attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.
Biden stated that, although the pardons are granted to prevent unjust persecution, they do not signify an acceptance of guilt. The President emphasized that even though no crime was committed, being investigated or prosecuted could severely damage the reputations and finances of these individuals.
The Capitol Committee and the January 2021 Insurrection
In addition to Fauci and Milley, Biden extended pardons to members of the committee that investigated the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. That day, Trump supporters attacked the Congressional building in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the election results.
The committee, which spent 18 months investigating the events, concluded that Trump was involved in a conspiracy to overturn the election results. Biden expressed his support for those who have been attacked for their work in the investigation, as these efforts have faced intimidation and threats from Trump’s allies.
The Use of Pardons in Biden’s Presidency
Biden has set a presidential record for pardons and commutations, making significant decisions such as commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. On his last day as President, Trump, who has supported expanding the death penalty, also took steps to pardon several individuals involved in the Capitol riot.
Biden has made it clear that his use of pardons is an exceptional tool, and although his decisions are preventive, they also have the potential to set a precedent for future administrations.
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