President Biden’s Last-Minute Pardons of Trump Critics Spark Backlash on Social Media
President Biden issued a number of preemptive pardons to individuals who were critical of President-elect Trump just hours before his departure from the White House. The list included several notable figures, such as General Mark Milley, former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Among the critics of the pardons was journalist Glenn Greenwald, who wrote on social media, “Joe Biden using his last day in office to pardon Liz Cheney, among others, is the perfect expression of the American political realignment and the rotted soul of the Democratic Party.”
Trump, who was texted by NBC’s Kristen Welker, responded to the news, calling it “disgraceful” and stating that many people are guilty of “MAJOR CRIMES!”
Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., also weighed in, stating, “If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Biden’s pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal.”
Milley thanked Biden in a statement, expressing his gratitude and emphasizing his commitment to his country and the Constitution. Fauci, on the other hand, thanked the President but maintained that he did not engage in any wrongdoing.
The move was panned on social media, with conservative commentator Mary Katharine Ham writing, “No one is above the law except people who get blanket, preemptive pardons. Ignominy to the end.” Michael Shellenberger, the CBR Chair of Politics, Censorship and Free Speech at the University of Austin, argued that the pardon suggested Fauci’s innocence, and called for further investigation and release of Covid records.
Senator Claire McCaskill lamented the action, stating that it set a bad precedent for the incoming administration. In a statement, Biden emphasized that the pardons were not an admission of guilt and should not be misconstrued as such.
Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter in December was criticized earlier this year, with the President reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law and the outcome of the trial.