Ahead Of Inauguration, Joe Biden Issues Pardons To Trump Critics To Guard Them From Potential 'Revenge'

In an unprecedented move, US President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons on Monday to several critics of Donald Trump, aiming to protect them from "revenge" and "unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions" by the incoming administration.

Among those pardoned are Dr Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biden's chief medical adviser; retired General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and members and staff of the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

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Biden's decision comes as President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to be inaugurated later today, has promised to take action against those who have attempted to hold him accountable for his supporters' efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

"Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country," Biden said in a statement. "These public servants have served our nation with honour and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions."

Milley, who has referred to Trump as "fascist to the core" and "dangerous," has been a frequent target of Republican attacks, particularly for his comments on Trump's conduct surrounding the January 6 insurrection. Trump had called Milley a "traitor."

Dr Fauci, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the US government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has faced fierce criticism from the right for policies such as mask mandates. Trump had repeatedly blamed Fauci for pandemic-related policies, accusing him of undermining his administration.

Members of the January 6 committee, including former Representative Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both Republicans, were also pardoned.

Trump had previously suggested that these lawmakers should be jailed for their involvement in investigating him and the Capitol riot, which injured 140 police officers and temporarily halted the counting of Electoral College votes.

None of these individuals have been charged with crimes, but they were believed to be among the targets of Trump's promised "retribution" against his political opponents during his second term.