Biden ‘Burns’ Trump One Last Time with Last-Minute Pardons

In a striking use of presidential authority, President Joe Biden issued a series of preemptive pardons on his final day in office, aiming to shield key figures from potential legal battles under Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The sweeping pardons covered prominent figures like Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6th Capitol attack—including former Rep. Liz Cheney.

Biden framed the move as a stand against politically motivated retribution. “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing,” Biden declared in a statement. “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”

The action marks an unusual twist in the traditional use of presidential clemency. Typically reserved for convicted individuals, Biden’s preemptive pardons target those not yet charged but potentially in the crosshairs of partisan investigations. “Exceptional circumstances require exceptional measures,” Biden explained. “Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of individuals and their families.”

Trump has made no secret of his intent to pursue high-profile figures linked to his administration’s controversies. Last month, he openly stated that members of the January 6th committee, including Cheney, “should go to jail.” Fauci, a polarizing figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, has faced relentless attacks from MAGA supporters and even tech magnate Elon Musk. Milley, once accused by Trump of treason for reassuring China post-January 6th, has been another frequent target.

Fauci expressed relief upon learning of his pardon. “It feels good, and I’m grateful to the president for doing it,” he told CNN’s Jim Acosta. “I have done nothing wrong—certainly nothing criminal.” Milley shared a similar sentiment, noting in a statement, “After 43 years of faithful service, I do not wish to spend my remaining years fighting unjust accusations.”

Biden’s final days in office have been marked by a series of consequential pardons. Last month, he controversially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, shielding him from a broad spectrum of charges spanning a decade. Additionally, Biden commuted the sentences of dozens of death row inmates, thwarting Trump’s plans to resume federal executions. These decisions have drawn sharp criticism from conservatives, who argue Biden is undermining accountability.

Presidential pardons are not new to political controversy. Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon post-Watergate and Jimmy Carter’s amnesty for Vietnam War draft evaders stand as precedents. However, Biden’s proactive approach, targeting individuals not yet charged, is largely uncharted territory.

Political analyst Rachel Greenfield sees Biden’s move as a calculated attempt to “insulate democratic norms.” She elaborates, “Biden is essentially laying down a marker, asserting that political vendettas have no place in a functioning democracy.”

As Trump prepares to reclaim the presidency, Biden’s actions are likely to be a flashpoint for debate. Will these pardons shield public servants from partisan backlash, or will they fuel further division? For now, Biden’s message is clear: protecting the integrity of those who served is a legacy worth fighting for.