President Biden granted pardons to several prominent public servants Monday who have faced attacks from President-elect Trump in one of his final acts in office.
Biden issued pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who led the nation’s COVID-19 pandemic response, and retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The president also pardoned members and staff of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack in addition to the 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.
The pardons come just hours before Trump, who has repeatedly vowed revenge on his perceived enemies, is set to return to the White House.
Biden in recent weeks indicated that he would consider granting pardons to individuals who might be targeted by the incoming administration. He said in his statement Monday morning that the pardons do not indicate the individuals “engaged in any wrongdoing.”