In one of his final acts as president, Joe Biden granted pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and lawmakers from the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, just hours before leaving office on January 20.
“These dedicated public servants are the lifeblood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, they have faced ongoing threats for steadfastly performing their duties,” Biden said during the announcement.
Preventive Pardons
The last-minute pardons cover Fauci, Milley, and members of the bipartisan House committee, including Republican Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. Biden clarified that the pardons were not an acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a protective measure to shield them from potential political retaliation under the incoming Trump administration.
“These pardons should not be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. We owe these public servants a great debt of gratitude for their tireless service to our country,” Biden said. He described the decision as an exceptional use of presidential authority, ensuring their protection even though they have not been formally investigated or charged with any federal crimes.
Individuals Pardoned
Dr. Anthony Fauci served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for nearly 40 years and was Biden’s chief medical advisor until his retirement in 2022. Fauci often clashed with Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, making him a target of criticism.
Gen. Milley, who retired in 2023, had publicly criticized Trump, particularly over the January 6 Capitol riot. Milley’s condemnation of Trump’s actions drew both praise and ire.
The House committee investigating the Capitol riot focused on Trump’s role in the events of January 6, 2021. The committee included two prominent Republican critics of Trump, Cheney and Kinzinger, who faced backlash from within their party for participating in the investigation.
Implications of Pardons
The preventive pardons effectively shield these individuals from any potential federal legal challenges after Biden’s departure and Trump’s return to power. Presidential pardons, as outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, grant the president authority to pardon federal crimes except in cases of impeachment.
Presidents often issue pardons and commutations in their final days in office. Biden’s move underscores the politically charged environment surrounding the transition of power.
(Reported by AP, ABC News)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
