President Joe Biden was not prepared to leave office before granting more pardons as a parting gift.
On Monday, Biden granted these pardons to those who face attacks from President-elect Donald Trump near the end of his first term, per The Hill.
Trump starts his second administration Monday.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who led the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, and retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were pardoned.
Biden also pardoned members and staff of the House committee.
These were people who investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack as well as U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee.
“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 said in a statement.
Trump has repeatedly vowed revenge on his enemies. He set to return to the White House on Monday.
Biden has indicated that he would consider granting pardons to those who might be in Trump’s crosshairs for retribution.
Biden added in his statement that just because these people were granted pardons does not mean they “engaged in any wrongdoing.”
“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden said, per the Associated Press. “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances.”
