President Joe Biden has preemptively pardoned a number of people, including the head of the Covid response Anthony Fauci and members of the investigation into the January 6 riots, to prevent “unwarranted … politically motivated prosecutions”.
Biden said, “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless dedication.”
Trump, who will be inaugurated later on Monday, suggested he would take action against those who tried to hold him responsible for his supporters’ attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election.
Biden also issued a preemptive pardon to retired general Mark Milley, who described Trump as “fascist to the core” and “dangerous.”
“These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated criminal prosecution,” the White House said in a statement.
“The issuance of these pardons should not be misconstrued as an admission of any wrongdoing by any individual, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any wrongdoing.”
