Biden pardons Fauci, Milley and Jan. 6 committee staffers in final hours of presidency
SUMMARY
In a controversial and unprecedented decision, President Joe Biden issued last-minute pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and staffers from the Jan. 6 committee, sparking criticism over the use of executive clemency to protect political allies. The pardons aim to shield these individuals from investigations by the incoming Trump administration, which has signaled plans to revisit alleged misconduct during Biden’s presidency. Fauci, who advised Biden on COVID-19, faced criticism for his support of mask mandates and lockdowns, which opponents claim overreached public health authority. Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, drew fire for labeling Trump a “fascist” and his handling of the military’s role during the Capitol riots. The Jan. 6 committee staffers were pardoned amid claims of partisanship in their investigation. Defending his decision, Biden stated; "This action is necessary to protect public servants from politically motivated retribution."
