Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden stirred controversy with his decision to grant preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and nine members of the January 6 House committee, including Liz Cheney, just hours before Donald Trump was to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Biden Fears ‘Unjustified and Politically Motivated Prosecutions’
According to the New York Post, Biden, 82, explained his decision by reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law and his belief in the strength of America’s legal institutions to rise above politics. He said, “I believe in the rule of law and am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics.”
Biden elaborated in a statement: “But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.” He expressed concern that the nation’s “dedicated, selfless public servants” had faced “ongoing threats and intimidation” for carrying out their duties. He continued, “In certain cases, some …