Dr. Anthony Fauci insists he committed “no crime” after President Biden granted a preemptive pardon to the former chief medical adviser.
“I am truly grateful to President Biden for the actions he has taken on my behalf today,” Fauci told ABC News' Washington correspondent. Jonathan Carle on Monday.
“To be clear, John, I have not committed a crime. As you know, the allegations and threats of criminal investigation and prosecution against me are without merit,” he continued.
Biden pardons four people, including late black activist Marcus Garvey
Biden on Monday granted preemptive pardons to several prominent critics of Donald Trump. (L-R: (Photo credit: William B. Plowman/NBC via Getty Images), (Photo credit: Mandel Ngan – Pool/Getty Images), (Photo credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images), (Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ))
Fauci also said he was grateful for the pardon because he believes the threat and possibility of politically motivated prosecution would cause “immeasurable and excruciating pain” to him and his family.
He made a similar statement immediately after accepting the pardon.
“To be clear, I have not committed a crime and the allegations and threats of criminal investigation or prosecution against me have no conceivable basis. However, the fact is that these baseless threats are simply clear “For these reasons, I recognize and appreciate the actions President Biden has taken on my behalf today,” Fauci wrote.
Biden will make nearly 2,500 more commutes in his final days as president
President Biden posthumously pardoned black supremacist Marcus Garvey and four others on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (Getty Images)
Biden hinted at the possibility of a preemptive pardon several weeks ago in an interview with USA Today. Biden's pardons at the end of his term, particularly that of his son Hunter Biden, have proven to be some of his most controversial actions as president.
Biden's pardon came hours before he left the White House and President-elect Donald Trump was to take the oath of office again. Fox News Digital reports that the pardon also applies to General Mark Milley and a series of people involved in the January 6 task force investigation.
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President Biden has said he is considering preemptive pardons based on who President-elect Donald Trump nominates for key positions. (Getty Images)
Specifically, Special Counsel Jack Smith, former FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland are not included in the pardon, despite speculation that they may face pushback from the incoming administration. Not yet.
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FOX News' Anders Hagström contributed to this report.
