Biden pardons Fauci and others before leaving office


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In a controversial move during his final hours in office, President Joe Biden issued pardons to several high-profile figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House January 6 select committee, prompting immediate criticism from President-elect Donald Trump.

NBC News’s Kristen Welker shared Trump’s reaction on X, revealing his text message: “NEW: President-elect Trump texted me his reaction to President Biden’s preemptive pardons of the Jan. 6 committee and witnesses, Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley. It is disgraceful. Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES! DJT.”

The pardons came as Republicans prepared investigations into COVID-19 pandemic responses and the Capitol attack. Biden defended his decision, stating: “The issuance of these preemptive 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. Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”

Among those pardoned, Fauci served nearly four decades as NIAID director and later as Biden’s chief medical adviser until 2022. Senator Rand Paul has announced plans to investigate virus origins and NIH’s research funding connections to China.

Milley, who previously served as Joint Chiefs chairman, had publicly criticized Trump and faced backlash over his communications with Chinese officials. The pardons also extended to the January 6 committee members, including Democrats and former Republican Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.

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