Former President Joe Biden's final hours in office were marked by controversial pardons that sparked heated reactions across the political spectrum.
According to Fox News, Biden granted preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and several family members, defying earlier warnings from prominent Democrats, including his own past statements against such actions.
The pardons were announced just hours before Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President on Monday. Biden's decision included blanket pardons for staff who served on the January 6 select committee investigation, though specific names were not disclosed.
In a particularly notable move, Biden issued pardons to his family members, including his brother James B. Biden, sister Valerie Biden Owens, brother-in-law John T. Owens, and brother Francis W. Biden, merely 22 minutes before departing office.
Several high-profile Democrats had previously voiced concerns about issuing preemptive pardons. Sen. Adam Schiff expressed his reservations on ABC's "This Week" in December, highlighting the problematic nature of establishing such a precedent. Former President Bill Clinton also showed reluctance to support the idea during an appearance on "The View," characterizing the pardon power as a deeply personal matter.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar explicitly stated her opposition to preemptive pardons, particularly referencing her disapproval of Biden's earlier pardon of his son Hunter. Senator Dick Durbin raised questions about the boundaries of such pardons during a CNN interview, expressing uncertainty about where such actions might lead.
Biden's decision appeared to contradict his own previous stance on preemptive pardons. In December 2020, while president-elect, he had expressed concerns about such pardons setting precedents and potentially damaging America's image as a nation of laws and justice.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis strongly criticized Biden's decision, particularly regarding Fauci's pardon. DeSantis referenced the controversial mRNA vaccine mandates, describing Fauci as the "chief henchman" of various governmental abuses. The governor stated:
One of Biden's greatest abuses of power was the forcing of mRNA shots by executive fiat (which Florida successfully blocked). Now, on his way out the door, Biden pardons the chief henchman of that and so many other abuses. The swamp protects its own.
Fauci, responding to his pardon through ABC News, maintained his innocence while expressing gratitude. He emphasized:
Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me.
The controversial pardons came amid broader tensions between the incoming and outgoing administrations. Trump has repeatedly criticized both Fauci and Milley, with particularly harsh words for Milley's leadership during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The relationship between Trump and these officials had deteriorated significantly, with Milley having previously labeled Trump a "fascist" and "the most dangerous person to this country" before the election.
Biden justified the pardons by emphasizing the public service of those pardoned, stating they should not be interpreted as acknowledgments of wrongdoing. He specifically defended his family's pardons by citing "unrelenting attacks and threats" motivated by partisan politics.
These final presidential actions effectively concluded Biden's term in office, setting a precedent that may influence future administrations' approach to presidential pardons. The controversial nature of these decisions continues to generate significant discussion about the appropriate use of presidential pardon power and its implications for American democracy.
