Possible preemptive pardons from Biden sparks Democratic debate
Biden Preemptively Pardons Fauci, Milley, Jan. 6 Committee Members
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Above: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and guest Dr. Anthony Fauci during its show on June 17, 2024. Image copyright: Scott Kowalchyk/Contributor/CBS via Getty Images
The Facts
On Monday, in the last hours of his term, former US Pres. Joe Biden issued unprecedented preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 select committee, along with their staff members and testifying officers.
The pardons were designed to shield the recipients from alleged potential politically motivated investigations and prosecutions by the incoming Trump administration. None of the recipients have been charged or accused of any crime.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
These pardons come under exceptional circumstances, as their recipients are public servants who have been threatened with blatant political prosecution. Biden justifiably took protective measures against Trump's potential abuse of power that could devastate the lives, safety, and financial security of public servants who faithfully discharged their duties — even when they've done nothing wrong and would ultimately be exonerated.
Republican narrative
These preemptive pardons by an outgoing president imply the opposite of what Biden said. Corrupt public officials like Cheney and Fauci know they're likely guilty of severe wrongdoing, which is why their friend Joe Biden stepped in to cover their tracks to avoid investigations into the mishandling of Jan. 6 and the COVID pandemic, among other dubious policies and decisions.
Narrative C
No matter who the president is, preemptive pardons go beyond their intended use of such powers and set a dangerous precedent. Not only are pardons not meant for people who have yet to be charged, but using them in such a way makes the supposedly non-guilty people in question seem very much guilty. This brings a series of complex implications.
