Biden issues pardons to protect Milley, Fauci, Cheney from Trump retaliation

On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden granted pre-emptive pardons to individuals whom Republican successor Donald Trump has sought to retaliate against, such as former Republican representative Liz Cheney, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and former chief medical advisor to the White House, Anthony Fauci.

The pardon applies to all legislators, including Cheney, who was part of the congressional select committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, in addition to police officers who provided testimony. Trump, who is set to reclaim the presidency later on Monday, has consistently urged for the legal action against those he views as adversaries since his November election win.

Biden commended public workers as the “essence of our democracy.” He conveyed concern that certain individuals faced threats and intimidation for performing their duties, without referencing Trump.

“These public officials have served our country with integrity and excellence and should not be subjected to unfounded and politically driven prosecutions,” Biden stated. Trump, who will resume the presidency later Monday, has consistently advocated for the prosecution of those he views as adversaries since securing the White House in November.

Biden lauded public servants as the “essential core of our democracy.” He expressed concern that certain individuals faced threats and intimidation while performing their duties, without mentioning Trump.

“These public officials have dedicated themselves to our country with excellence and integrity and should not be subjected to baseless and politically driven prosecutions,” Biden stated in a message. Biden praised both Milley and Fauci as longtime dedicated public servants who have defended democracy and saved lives. He said the select committee established to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol had fulfilled its mission with integrity.

Without identifying the individuals, he pardoned all members of Congress who served on the panel, their staff and the U.S. Capitol and Washington, D.C. police officers who testified before the committee.