Biden's surprise pardon hours before Trump's inauguration

Just before US President-elect Donald Trump took office on January 20, President Joe Biden pardoned several figures, such as Professor Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley, out of fear of retaliation.

In a social media post on January 20, outgoing President Joe Biden announced early pardons for former presidential medical advisor Anthony Fauci, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and members, staff, and witnesses of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Dr. Anthony Fauci testified before the US Congress in 2022.

Biden argued that these individuals were dedicated public servants who were threatened with criminal prosecution. "They are public servants who have served their country with honor and excellence and do not deserve to be the target of senseless and politically motivated prosecution," Biden wrote.

Biden made no mention of Trump, but the statement came just before Trump's inauguration. According to AP, Trump had warned numerous political opponents and those who had sought to accuse him about his efforts to reverse his 2020 election defeat and his role in the January 6, 2021 incident. Many of Trump's cabinet nominees supported his views on the 2020 election and pledged to punish those involved in investigating the incoming president.

The US president typically issues pardons at the end of their term, but primarily for those who have been convicted of crimes, not for those who have not been investigated.

President Trump and General Mark Milley at the White House in 2019.

Biden noted that the prior pardons should not be misinterpreted as an acknowledgment that these individuals had done wrong. "Our country owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the country," Biden declared.

Dr. Anthony Fauci served as the coordinating official for the COVID-19 pandemic response under both the Trump and Biden administrations. Fauci disagreed with Trump on the pandemic response and became a target of criticism from the right wing.

Mark Milley served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Trump but later fell out with the leader. Milley thanked Biden for the pardon, saying it relieved him of fears of retaliation.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lenh-an-xa-bat-ngo-cua-ong-biden-vai-gio-truc-le-nham-chuc-cua-ong-trump-185250120204255887.htm