On his last day in office, President Joe Biden issued an extraordinary set of preemptive pardons that have left many questioning his motives. Among the recipients were his immediate family, members of the January 6th Committee, and Anthony Fauci, figures central to controversies during his presidency. These actions, unprecedented in scope and timing, represent what many see as a politically calculated attempt to shield himself and his allies from accountability.

A Shield for the Biden Family

President Biden extended pardons to his siblings—James Biden, Frank Biden, and Valerie Biden Owens—and their spouses. These pardons, which were issued despite no formal charges against them, have been criticized as blatant favoritism. In his statement, Biden said, “My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats... the worst kind of partisan politics.” However, critics argue that this move only underscores concerns about corruption within the Biden family, particularly given longstanding allegations involving international business dealings​.

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Fauci’s Controversial Pardon

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of America’s COVID-19 response, also received a pardon. Fauci has been accused of withholding critical information about the origins of COVID-19, funding risky virus research in Wuhan, and misleading the public about the pandemic’s trajectory. Many conservatives view his pardon as a preemptive move to shield him from investigations promised by the incoming Trump administration. Fauci’s tenure has been marred by what some call overreach and mismanagement, making his inclusion in the pardons particularly contentious​.

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The January 6th Committee: Immunity for Manipulation?

Members of the January 6th Committee, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, were also pardoned. The committee has faced accusations of manipulating evidence, suppressing testimony, and weaponizing its findings to target political opponents. These pardons are seen by many as a deliberate effort to insulate committee members from legal consequences under the Trump administration, which has vowed to investigate the panel for its actions during the inquiry​.

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Weaponizing Clemency

Biden’s final pardons go beyond historical norms. Preemptive pardons are rare, typically reserved for extraordinary circumstances like Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. In this case, Biden’s use of clemency has been widely criticized as a partisan tool to protect allies from accountability. Former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick warned, “Preemptive pardons should be used very sparingly... this sends a message of insider favoritism.”​.

A Tarnished Legacy

This unprecedented move has cast a shadow over Biden’s departure, with many arguing that it reflects a deep fear of retribution and accountability under a new administration. By shielding himself, his family, and his political allies, Biden may have ensured his legacy is remembered not for unity, but for partisanship and self-preservation.

As President Trump begins his term, investigations into these actions are likely to follow, promising to keep Biden’s final decisions in the spotlight for years to come.

References:

1. Spokesman-Review: “Biden preemptively pardons Milley, Fauci, Jan. 6 panel — and his family.”
2. Washington Examiner: “Biden’s hints at preemptive pardons for Cheney and Fauci draw scrutiny.”
3. Justice.gov: Analysis of the constitutional scope of presidential pardons.