Biden's Preemptive Pardons: A Historic Move to Protect Public Servants and Family
In a literal last-second move, President Biden preemptively pardons his family
In an unprecedented move just hours before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, outgoing President Joe Biden issued sweeping preemptive pardons to a host of individuals, including retired Gen. Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, members of the Jan. 6 congressional committee, and police officers who testified before the panel.
Biden also extended pardons to several immediate family members, citing the need to shield them from politically motivated prosecutions. "These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions," Biden stated. The pardons, which came in response to Trump's repeated threats to prosecute his political adversaries, underscore the deep divisions and tensions in the American political landscape.
Biden emphasized that his decision was not an admission of wrongdoing but rather a protective measure against potential retaliation.
The outgoing president acknowledged the unprecedented nature of his actions, stating, "I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing."
Among those granted clemency were his siblings James Biden, Frank Biden, and Valerie Biden Owens, as well as their spouses. Biden defended his family, claiming they had been unfairly targeted by partisan attacks aimed at undermining his presidency.
Key figures affected by the pardons expressed their relief and gratitude.
Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated, "After forty-three years of faithful service in uniform to our Nation, I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights."
Similarly, former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, who testified about the events of January 6, expressed his appreciation for the pardon but lamented the political climate that necessitated it.
The legality of preemptive pardons remains a contentious issue, with legal experts debating their constitutional validity. (I am no legal scholar, but Nixon was pre-emptively pardoned by President Ford for crimes he hadn’t been indicted for; in fact, Nixon has NEVER been indicted for any of the crimes he allegedly committed. As far as I know, Ford didn’t specify the crimes Nixon was being pardoned for. I see no difference here. SO, if these pardons don’t stand, neither should Nixon’s and I wanna see that mofo sentenced post-humously for the crimes he did, in fact, commit.)
As Biden departs the White House, his final actions signal a commitment to shielding those who stood against the events of January 6 while setting the stage for what promises to be a contentious new administration.
Source: WaPo (gift article—one of the last I’ll be giving as I will not renew my subscription)