President Biden on Monday, in one of his final acts in office, pardoned several prominent public officials who faced attacks from President-elect Trump.
Biden pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who led the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The president also pardoned members and staff of the House committees that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, as well as U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers who testified before the special committee. .
“These public servants serve our country with honor and distinction, and they do not deserve to be the subject of unwarranted and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said in a statement.
The pardon came just hours before Trump, who has repeatedly vowed revenge against those he considers his enemies, returned to the White House.
Biden has indicated in recent weeks that he would consider granting pardons to individuals who could be targeted by the incoming administration. He said in a statement Monday morning that the pardon does not indicate that the individual “engaged in any wrongdoing.”
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