In his final hours in the White House, Joe Biden issued a series of high-profile pardons on Monday, shielding Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and other individuals who were speculated to face investigations under the incoming Trump administration.
The pardons were announced as Biden prepared to leave the White House, with President-elect Donald Trump set to be sworn in for his second term.
The sweeping order also extends to individuals connected to the January 6 select committee investigation.
According to the official announcement, the pardon covers “members of Congress and staff who served on the Select Committee, and the U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee.”
However, the order notably excludes Special Counsel Jack Smith, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland.
These individuals, who have been the focus of speculation regarding potential accountability under the Trump administration, are not protected by Biden’s final executive action.
The announcement immediately drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and commentators.
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) criticized Biden’s use of presidential power in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“The guy who claimed he would ‘protect norms’ continues to bulldoze them and the Constitution until the bitter end. Biden truly is one of the worst Presidents in American history and will only be remembered as the guy between Trump’s two terms,” Schmitt wrote.
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