Tue Jan 21 23:38:03 IST 2025: **Biden Issues Preemptive Pardons to Cheney, Fauci, Milley, and Family Amid Trump’s Threats**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a dramatic preemptive move, outgoing President Joe Biden issued pardons to several individuals, including former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, former White House Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. The pardons, issued on Monday, are intended to protect these individuals from potential future prosecution under a President Donald Trump administration.

Biden’s action comes in response to Trump’s repeated threats against perceived political enemies, including those involved in investigations into his conduct. Trump has previously called for investigations into Cheney’s role in the January 6th Capitol riot investigation and has made inflammatory statements targeting Milley and Fauci.

The pardons also cover several members of Biden’s own family, including his brothers, sister, and their spouses. Biden cited ongoing harassment and threats against his family as justification for the preemptive pardons. He stated that these individuals “served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions.”

Cheney and Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson, vice chair of the January 6th committee, issued a joint statement expressing gratitude for Biden’s action, stating they were pardoned “not for breaking the law but for upholding it.” Milley expressed similar gratitude. Fauci, who frequently clashed with Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, stated he appreciated the protection but maintained his innocence.

Trump has denounced Biden’s actions, claiming it sets a dangerous precedent. Legal experts note that while pardons are typically granted after conviction, the US Constitution allows presidents to pardon for conduct that has not yet resulted in legal proceedings. The significance of these preemptive pardons and their potential impact on future administrations remains a subject of considerable debate.

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