President Joe Biden issued unprecedented preemptive pardons on Monday for former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, members of the January 6 Committee, and others, granting broad immunity just hours before President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
Biden defended the decision, praising their service and condemning what he described as politically motivated threats and investigations. “These public servants have faithfully served our nation and do not deserve unjustified prosecutions,” he stated.
Highlighting Fauci’s decades-long contributions to public health, General Mark Milley’s military leadership, and the January 6 Committee’s work, Biden emphasized the need to protect those who upheld democracy. “Baseless investigations damage lives and reputations. This action is necessary to uphold the rule of law,” he concluded.
Biden leaves office with low approval ratings, averaging 37% according to recent polls, after stepping away from the 2024 race and focusing on drafting lasting executive orders.
