Washington: Hours before leaving office, Joe Biden made an unprecedented move on Monday.
The outgoing US President issued pre-emptive pardons to several critics of his successor Donald Trump in an effort to protect them from “unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions” by the incoming administration.
Among the prominent names pardoned are Dr Anthony Fauci, Biden’s former chief medical adviser and the face of USA’s COVID-19 response; retired General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; members and staff of the House committee who investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
President-elect Trump, who will be taking oath later on Monday, has vowed to take action against those who tried to hold him accountable for his role in the attempt by his supporters to overturn the 2020 presidential election result.
“Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country. These public servants have served our nation with honour and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said in a statement.
Trump’s ‘targets’
Gen Milley described Trump as “fascist to the core” and “dangerous.” The Republicans have targeted him for his comments on Trump’s conduct around the January 6 insurrection.
Trump retaliated by calling Milley a “traitor.”
Dr Fauci has faced intense criticism from Republicans for his policies like mask mandate. Trump blamed Fauci for pandemic-related policies, accusing him of undermining his administration.
Also among Trump’s ‘targets’ who have been pardoned are members of the January 6 committee, including Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.
Trump had said these lawmakers should be jailed for their role in investigating him and the riot at the Capitol, which injured 140 police officers and temporarily halted counting of Electoral College votes.
Biden has set a record for the most individual pardons and commutations issued by any President.
On January 17, Biden announced commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offences.
He also pardoned his son Hunter Biden, for federal gun and tax convictions and also for any federal offences committed over an 11-year period.
