Just before his presidency ended, President Biden made a bold move by granting pardons to several close family members, including his brother, James Biden, his sister, Valerie Biden Owens, and other relatives like James’s wife, Sara, and brother Francis. Biden explained in a statement that his family had been attacked and threatened non-stop, all in an effort to hurt him.
Biden described these attacks as “the worst kind of partisan politics,” driven solely by a desire to harm him. He also said the investigations targeting his family were unfair and politically motivated. He made it clear that the pardons did not mean his family members were guilty, stating,
“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing.”
Biden also said, “Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families.” His decision to issue these pardons was seen by many as a way to protect his family from what he believed were unfair attacks.
The same day, Biden issued pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley. Fauci, who served as the country’s leading expert on the COVID-19 pandemic, became a target of political attacks, especially from those on the right, including allies of former President Donald Trump. Many criticized Fauci’s handling of the pandemic, and some even called for him to be prosecuted.
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General Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was also granted a pardon. Milley had drawn the ire of Trump supporters after it was revealed that, during Trump’s presidency, he had communicated with China to assure them that the U.S. had no intention of attacking. Milley later explained that he was trying to avoid miscommunications between the two countries. Some people, however, saw his actions as a betrayal of Trump.
Biden’s decision to pardon both men was framed as an effort to protect them from what he described as “politically motivated prosecutions.” He said these individuals had served the country with honor and did not deserve to be punished for doing their jobs.
In another surprising move, Biden granted pardons to House committee members investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. The committee, which included Republicans and Democrats, had played a key role in uncovering the details surrounding the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. Some of the committee members, including former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney and Democrat Adam Schiff, had faced criticism from Trump’s allies.
Biden’s pardons for these committee members were aimed at shielding them from any potential legal challenges under the new administration, which was expected to be much more supportive of Trump and his allies.
The timing of these pardons raised many questions. As Biden was about to leave office, some saw these actions as an attempt to shield his allies and family from any consequences in the future. Republicans, including some members of Congress, were quick to criticize Biden’s decision. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., claimed that the pardons suggested the recipients were guilty of something, even though none had been formally charged with any crime.
Biden pardons for Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, the members of the Jan. 6 committee and the cops who testified before the committee because they are GUILTY OF CRIMES.
Never forget what the Democrats have done.
The mask is completely OFF.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) January 20, 2025
Featured image via Screengrab
