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Biden Issues Last-Minute Pardons
President Joe Biden has pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 attack on the Capitol. The move came in the last hours of Biden’s presidency and has sparked widespread debate about its implications.
Trump Warns of "Revenge"
Biden’s decision appears to be in response to warning from former President Donald Trump of an "enemies list" filled with individuals who have opposed him politically. Trump, who is set to take office today, has suggested that he would use the office to exact revenge on his adversaries.
"Breadth and Impunity"
White House insiders acknowledge that Biden has used his authority in a particularly broad and unprecedented way. Experts warn that Trump could exploit these pardons as a way to encourage loyalty to his own faction, effectively extending his power reach beyond his last term in office.
"We Debt of Gratitude"
In justifying the pardon, Biden praised the recipients’ commitment to country, saying the nation owed them a "debt of gratitude." The administration has sought to downplay expectations, warning that acceptance of a pardon may not necessarily amount to an admission of guilt.
"Heated Debate"
The pardon debate has raged for months behind closed doors within the White House. Insiders reveal that multiple officials pushed hard against the plan, but eventually, the proposal gained momentum amidst concerns over retaliation from a would-be Trump government.
"No Bases"
Reacting to news of his own pardon, Fauci maintained categorically, "I have committed no crime."
"Protects Reputation and Financial Wellbeing"
Biden noted that mere association with a highly publicized committee or the ongoing investigations may ultimately damage individuals’ reputations or financial situations even if no official wrongdoing was alleged.
Legal Limitations
Aides hint at the uncertainty over the pardons’ practical benefits, highlighting other avenues that opponents might employ. For example, Congress, newly empowered with majorities under President Trump’s proposed administration, will likely press forth with further interrogations. Despite these limits, the president leaves office, assuring an exceptionally high profile closure to his mandate.