
President Joe Biden has issued pardons to key figures in the Trump era, sparking controversy and debate.
That means…he’s admitting his administration broke the law?
At a Glance
- Biden pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and Jan. 6 committee members
- Pardons aim to protect against potential politically motivated prosecutions
- Move criticized by Republicans as an admission of guilt
- Biden defends action as protection for public servants who served with honor
- Pardons issued in final hours of Biden’s presidency
Biden’s Controversial Pardons
President Joe Biden has issued pardons to several high-profile figures from his own administration, and the people who undermined Trump during his first administration. The pardons, granted to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, were announced in the final hours of Biden’s presidency. This decision has been met with both praise and criticism, highlighting the deep political divisions that continue to shape American politics.
The pardons appear to be a preemptive measure against potential legal actions by the incoming Trump administration.
President Biden has staunchly defended his decision, emphasizing that the pardons do not imply any wrongdoing on the part of the recipients. In a statement explaining his actions, Biden highlighted the exceptional circumstances that led to this decision.
“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden said.
So his words do not admit wrongdoing – but his actions do.
The former president further emphasized that these pardons were issued to protect individuals who have served the nation with distinction. He argued that even baseless investigations can cause irreparable damage to reputations and finances, justifying the need for preemptive action.
The pardons have predictably sparked backlash from Republicans and conservative commentators. Many have interpreted the move as an admission of guilt, questioning the validity and necessity of such pardons. Critics have urged the incoming Trump administration to disregard these pardons and pursue legal action against those pardoned.
The reality of all this is simple: pardons are only useful for people who broke the law.
So what are they admitting Milley and Fauci did?