President Joe Biden on Monday issued preemptive pardons to General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and with lawmakers and staffers who served on the House January 6 select committee, to prevent the incoming Trump administration from targeting them with “politically motivated” criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Biden has preemptively pardoned Dr. Fauci, Gen Mark Milley and members of the January 6 ... [+]
In a statement released to the press, Biden said these “public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions.”
None of the recipients have been charged with or accused of a crime, and Biden said the pardons “should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing.”
Biden's statement praised Milley for his military service and hailed Fauci, saying he “saved countless lives by managing the government’s response to pressing health crises.”
The statement noted that the Jan. 6 Select Committee was Congress established to investigate the insurrection at the Capitol and it “fulfilled this mission with integrity and a commitment to discovering the truth.”
The president added that while he believes in the rule of law, these were exceptional circumstances and he could not “in good conscience do nothing.”
Biden added that politically motivated investigations would “wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families.” even though they have not engaged in any wrongdoing.
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“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,” Biden said on the potential impact of politically charged investigations into the individuals he pardoned.
This is a developing story.