Outgoing US President Joe Biden in a significant move during his final hours in office issued pardons for Dr Anthony Fauci, retired Gen Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.
The decision aims to protect them from potential reprisals by the incoming administration of Donald Trump.
Biden’s action follows Trump’s warnings of an “enemies list” targeting individuals who opposed him politically or played roles in holding him accountable for his actions related to the 2020 election and the Capitol insurrection. Trump has also nominated Cabinet members who supported his false election claims and pledged retribution against his critics.
Dr Fauci, a central figure in the US Covid-19 pandemic response, faced backlash from Trump and his supporters for rejecting unfounded claims and promoting public health measures like mask mandates. Fauci became a polarising figure, with some on the right accusing him of infringing on their freedoms during a time of widespread deaths from the virus.
Gen Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also found himself in Trump’s crosshairs. Milley called Trump a fascist and provided details about the former president’s conduct during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, further straining their relationship.
The pardons reflect Biden’s efforts to shield individuals who might face legal or political repercussions under a Trump administration, which has signaled a willingness to settle scores with perceived adversaries.