In a dramatic final act before departing office on Monday, President Joe Biden announced he was granting pardons to retired Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Jan. 6 committee members and staff — which includes Liz Cheney, along with the U.S. Capitol and Washington, D.C., police officers who provided testimony to that committee.
Biden explained that these preemptive pardons were necessary due to threats of “unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions” by the incoming administration.
“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,” Biden said in a statement released just before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Biden emphasized that “exceptional circumstances” necessitated the pardons. “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances,” he said.
Whether the incoming Trump administration plans to pursue charges against these individuals remains uncertain. Pam Bondi, Trump’s attorney general nominee, stated during her confirmation hearing that political prosecutions wouldn’t occur under her leadership. However, Trump’s FBI director pick, Kash Patel, has advocated for investigations and prosecutions of many Trump opponents.
Fauci played a central role in America’s COVID-19 response. As an infectious disease expert at the National Institutes of Health, he advocated for mask-wearing and social distancing, while Trump supporters claim he concealed the supposed true origins of COVID. Trump called Fauci a “disaster” and Republican lawmakers have scrutinized him.
Milley served as Joint Chiefs chairman during Trump’s presidency and subsequently described Trump as “fascist to the core” in a book by journalist Bob Woodward. Trump has suggested he deserves execution.
Biden defended the Jan. 6 committee members and testifying law enforcement officials, saying they fulfilled their duty to expose the insurrection attempt by Trump supporters in 2021.
“Rather than accept accountability, those who perpetrated the January 6th attack have taken every opportunity to undermine and intimidate those who participated in the Select Committee in an attempt to rewrite history, erase the stain of January 6th for partisan gain, and seek revenge, including by threatening criminal prosecutions,” Biden said.
LINK LOVE
HOT DEALS
- Save $10 on the Stanley 40 oz. Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler [Dick’s Sporting Goods]
- Save 21% on the Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender [Amazon]
- Save $189 on the DYU 14″ Folding Electric Bike! [Walmart]
- Now 20% off! Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid [Amazon]
- Save $120 on an unlocked Galaxy S25 Edge [Samsung]
- Save 50% on the Bedsure Lightweight Two-Side Cooling Comforter [Target]
- Save 25% on the Cole Haan Men’s Grand Remix Oxford Dress Shoe! [Macy’s ]
- Save $100 on the TCL Class S5-Series 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Google TV [Target]
Like most websites, Socialite Life uses affiliate links where available, which means we earn a little commission if you click through and buy something. Also, as Amazon Influencers, we earn from qualifying purchases. Savings shown are those from the date and time of this article’s publication.
