Biden’s Last-Day Pardons: What You Need to Know
Explore the key aspects and implications of Biden’s Last-Day Pardons: What You Need to Know, and shedding light on this pivotal use of executive authority.

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On his last day in office, President Joe Biden made a big move. He gave out pardons to protect some important people from the new Trump administration. General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and January 6 Committee members were among them.
Biden wanted to stop “baseless and politically motivated investigations.” He said these could harm their money and safety.
Preemptive pardons are rare, but Biden used them to protect public servants. He’s worried about the threats they face1. This move is like Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, but it’s different because it’s not in response to legal threats1.
Biden believes those pardoned are innocent and have served well. He pardoned General Milley and Dr. Fauci to honor their service2.
This is a first in history, with Biden’s pardons setting a new standard1. Unlike Ford’s, Biden’s pardons were not in response to legal threats. They were to protect against future attacks1.
Many Congress members were surprised by the pardons. But Biden’s move shows he’s looking out for those targeted politically2.
- President Biden issued a total of three preemptive pardons, including significant figures like General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci2.
- These pardons are unprecedented in scope, marking the first use of such extensive preemptive executive power in presidential history1.
- The pardons aim to protect individuals from possible future attacks by the incoming Trump administration, not immediate legal threats1.
- Public servants face growing threats and intimidation, a major concern for Biden in issuing these pardons1.
- Biden’s action is compared to Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon but is notable for the lack of immediate legal risks faced by those pardoned1.
Learn more about the implications and history of Biden’s preemptive pardons. Understand the bigger story behind this executive decision.
Biden’s Use of Preemptive Pardons
President Joe Biden made a big move by issuing preemptive pardons just before leaving office. On January 19, 2025, he pardoned Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and several lawmakers tied to the January 6 investigation2. Unlike usual pardons, these were given ahead of time to protect people from being charged with federal crimes1.
Legal Foundations of Preemptive Pardons
The U.S. Constitution lets presidents pardon people for federal crimes. Biden used this power for his preemptive pardons. These pardons stop legal actions against the recipients before they start, protecting them from federal charges1.
This move shows Biden’s effort to protect his allies in a tense political time1. The pardons only cover federal crimes, not other investigations. This means some accountability paths are left open1.
Historical Context of Preemptive Pardons
Biden’s preemptive pardons are rare compared to past actions. Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon is a notable example. It was given to avoid Nixon facing charges2.
Biden’s pardons, on the other hand, were not because of any immediate legal threats. They were given because of worries about future charges. This move is a big change from how presidents have acted before1.
The Recipients of Biden’s Last-Day Pardons
President Biden’s last-day pardons were a big deal. They included famous figures tied to the January 6 Capitol investigation. This list shows the political and legal issues at play.
Members of the January 6 Committee
The January 6 Committee members got pardons from Biden in his last hours. This was a big move, as pardons like this are rare. They worked hard on the Capitol attack investigation, facing a lot of criticism and threats.
Liz Cheney, a key figure, was pardoned. This shows the committee’s work was bipartisan. Biden wanted to protect these public servants from threats, showing his commitment to justice reform2. But, these pardons have sparked a lot of debate.
High-Profile Figures: General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci
General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci also got pardons. They faced a lot of criticism and threats during Trump’s time. Milley, as the Joint Chiefs Chairman, got a pardon to protect him from charges, but could face congressional questions2. Fauci, who led the COVID-19 fight, was grateful for the pardon, knowing he and his family were at risk3.
These pardons were timely but also sparked debate. They show Biden’s effort to protect public servants. They also remind us of the history of pardons, like Gerald Ford’s of Richard Nixon3. Biden’s pardons set a record, showing his focus on justice reform4. These pardons have started a big conversation on the ethics of presidential pardons.
Recipient | Reason for Pardon | Impact |
---|---|---|
January 6 Committee Members | Pardoned for their roles in investigating the Capitol attack | Protection from federal charges, possible congressional inquiries |
General Mark Milley | Shielded from possible federal criminal charges | May face congressional investigations |
Dr. Anthony Fauci | Protected due to COVID-19 threats | May face other scrutiny |
Biden’s pardons are a big topic. They show the challenges of justice reform and the use of pardons to protect those under pressure.
Biden’s Last-Day Pardons: What You Need to Know
President Joe Biden’s last-day pardons have caused both joy and doubt. They show how complex presidential pardons can be. Before leaving, Biden pardoned big names like Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley. This was to protect them from the new Trump administration21.
This move is the first of its kind in recent history1. It was done because of worries about the new administration’s plans. Biden wanted to keep these people safe from possible legal trouble1.
These pardons don’t cover all legal issues. They only protect against federal charges, not state or civil actions2.
Only three people got pardons, which is fewer than other presidents2. Dr. Fauci and General Milley were among them. They were recognized for their service2.
Legal experts have mixed feelings about these pardons. They wonder if it’s right to stop people from talking after a pardon2. Biden said these pardons were not a sign of guilt but a safety measure1.
These pardons have sparked a big debate. Some are worried about what this means for the future1.
There are questions about the fairness of these pardons. They might change how we see politics and law. With Trump facing legal issues, the impact of these pardons is huge1.
For more on this, check out The Hindu’s article and NetworkWorldNews report.
Conclusion
As President Biden’s term ends, his last-day pardons have made a big impact on his legacy. He has shown the wide reach of the president’s power, mainly in handling federal crimes. Pardoning big names like General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci shows the tricky balance between protecting public servants and preventing misuse of pardon power.
The use of pardons has always been a topic of debate, and Biden’s actions are no different. His decisions will likely shape how future presidents use their pardon powers. The people Biden pardoned, like those involved in the January 6 Committee, were chosen to protect them from political charges.
Biden has tried to balance justice, leaving a complex legacy for future leaders to examine. The debate on executive authority is ongoing, but Biden’s pardons show the power’s lasting impact on law and politics. It will be interesting to see how these actions affect American governance in the future.
Research shows that sensory-rich play boosts brain development, similar to Biden’s pardons. They show his understanding of social and political dynamics. This ensures protection for important figures as he steps down from politics.