Joe Biden Grants Pardons to Public Servants Amid Concerns of Possible ‘Revenge’ from Donald Trump | US News

In his final moments as President, Joe Biden granted several preemptive pardons aimed at shielding public servants from potential repercussions under Donald Trump.

According to Mr. Biden, those who received pardons have faced “ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties,” and in some cases have been threatened with criminal charges.

This decision follows the president-elect’s ominous mention of an “enemies list,” which includes individuals who have politically opposed him or challenged his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and his actions surrounding the January 6 insurrection.

Among those pardoned is Dr. Anthony Fauci, who played a key role in the U.S. response to COVID-19 but fell out of favor with Mr. Trump for not endorsing his unfounded theories regarding the virus.

Also receiving a pardon is retired General Mark Milley, who previously labeled the president-elect a fascist and criticized his behavior during the events of the 2021 insurrection.

“I cannot in good conscience remain inactive,” Mr. Biden stated on Monday.

“Groundless and politically motivated investigations severely impact the lives, safety, and financial stability of those targeted and their families.”

Additionally, members and staff of the House Select Committee that investigated the January 6 riots, along with police officers who provided testimony before that committee, were also granted pardons.

In response to the pardons, Mr. Trump labeled the decision “disgraceful” in a text to Sky News’ US affiliate, NBC News, and baselessly claimed that many of those pardoned were “guilty of major crimes.”