Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for Fauci and Jan 6 riot committee

Joe Biden preemptively pardoned coronavirus response chief Anthony Fauci and members of the Jan. 6 riot investigation to prevent what he called “unwarranted… politically motivated prosecutions.”

“Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment,” the outgoing US President said.

Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, has regularly clashed with Dr. Fauci during the pandemic and suggested he would take action against those who tried to hold him responsible for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Biden also issued a pre-emptive pardon to Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who last year called Trump a “fascist to the core.”

Biden’s statement said the pardon “should not be mistaken as an admission” that any of the people included “were involved in any wrongdoing.”

Democrats warned the outgoing president against such action. Adam Schiff, a California senator, said Biden could set a “precedent” for “every president subsequently on his way out the door to issue a broad category of pardons.”

Dr. Fauci told US media that he “really appreciates” Biden for taking the action, adding that the prospect of prosecution created “boundless and intolerable distress” for his family.

He added: “Let me be absolutely clear, I have not committed any crime and there are no probable cause for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution.”

General Milley, 66, thanked Biden in a statement and stated that he did not want to spend the rest of his life “fighting those who would unjustly seek retaliation for perceived slights.”

“I don’t want to put my family, my friends and those I served with through the distraction, expense and anxiety that comes with it,” he said.

Biden’s pardon includes all members of the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot, as well as its staff and officers who testified.

Harry Dunn, a former US Capitol Police officer, said he was “eternally grateful” to Biden, “not only for this preemptive pardon, but for his leadership and service to this nation.”

“Unfortunately, the political climate we are in now has made it necessary [a pardon] Somewhat of a reality,” he said.

“I, like all other government employees, was just doing my job and fulfilling my oath.”

Trump in December supported a call for the FBI to investigate fellow Republican Liz Cheney over her role in leading the congressional investigation.

The next president is scheduled to pardon some people convicted of crimes related to the riots. “You’ll see something tomorrow,” Trump said Sunday, referring to the Jan. 6 rioters. “I think you will be very happy.”

During his election campaign, Trump criticized “enemies within” and supported several figures who vowed revenge on his opponents to join his government.

However, his choice for attorney general, Pam Bondi, said during her confirmation hearing last week There will never be an enemies list And it will not use the Department of Justice to target anyone based on its policies.