WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 – President Joe Biden took a bold step on Monday by issuing pre-emptive pardons for a group of public officials who have faced threats of retaliation, including former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and former White House medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci. This action comes just hours before Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency once again.
The pardons also cover lawmakers and staff who served on the January 6th Congressional Select Committee, as well as law enforcement officers who testified during its proceedings. Biden’s decision reflects his commitment to safeguarding public servants from what he described as “unjustified and politically motivated” actions.
Protecting Public Servants
President Biden described these individuals as the backbone of democracy, emphasizing their contributions to the nation despite facing threats and intimidation. “These public servants have demonstrated exceptional integrity and commitment. They do not deserve to become the targets of politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said in a statement.
Although Biden refrained from directly naming Trump, his remarks underscored growing concerns about retaliatory actions threatened by the incoming administration. Trump, who has frequently criticized his perceived adversaries, has publicly supported calls for investigations and punitive measures against individuals like Cheney and Milley.
Milley’s Role Under Scrutiny
Mark Milley, who recently retired as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed gratitude for Biden’s pardon. Milley has faced increasing hostility from Trump’s allies, particularly for comments attributed to him in Bob Woodward’s recent book, where he reportedly referred to Trump as “fascist to the core.”
The Trump transition team reportedly identified Milley and other military officials associated with him as targets for dismissal in the new administration. Despite the criticism, Milley has maintained that his actions were always in service to the Constitution and the country.
Cheney and the January 6th Committee
Former Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent figure in the January 6th investigation, has long been a target of Trump and his allies. Her leadership in the bipartisan committee, which sought to uncover the circumstances surrounding the Capitol attack, has drawn fierce backlash. In December, Trump openly supported calls for a federal investigation into Cheney’s actions during the committee’s tenure.
By pardoning Cheney and her colleagues, Biden aimed to shield them from potential legal challenges or financial burdens stemming from politically driven investigations.
Fauci Faces Continued Attacks
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also been a frequent subject of criticism from Trump and his supporters. Fauci’s clashes with Trump over public health strategies and pandemic response policies created significant tension during the former president’s administration. Even after retiring from his government role, Fauci remains a polarizing figure, with Trump’s supporters continuing to target him for his past decisions.
Biden described Fauci as a dedicated public servant whose work has saved countless lives. “Dr. Fauci’s commitment to public health has been unwavering, even in the face of immense pressure and hostility,” Biden remarked.
Broader Implications of the Pardons
In addition to Milley, Cheney, and Fauci, Biden’s pardon extends to all members of Congress and staff who served on the January 6th committee. It also includes law enforcement officers who provided testimony about the Capitol attack. Biden emphasized that these individuals had committed no wrongdoing but acknowledged that merely being investigated could damage their reputations and livelihoods.
“I firmly believe in the rule of law and the enduring strength of our legal institutions. However, the current circumstances demand action to protect those who have acted in service of democracy,” Biden said.
Criticism from Trump’s Allies
The pardons sparked immediate backlash from Trump loyalists. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced her disapproval on social media, accusing those pardoned of being “guilty of crimes.” Such criticism highlights the deepening divisions within the political landscape, with Trump’s supporters portraying the pardons as an admission of guilt rather than a preventive measure.
A Message of Unity and Resilience
While the political fallout from Biden’s decision remains to be seen, the president framed his actions as a defense of democratic principles and a stand against political intimidation. He praised the January 6th committee for fulfilling its mission with integrity and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the values of justice and fairness.
“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot, in good conscience, stand by without taking action,” Biden concluded.
As Trump prepares to assume office once again, Biden’s pardons send a clear message about the importance of protecting those who serve the nation, even amidst the growing threat of political retribution.