In his last act as president, Joe Biden issued controversial pardons to a group of high-profile figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and the members of the January 6 Select Committee. The move has sparked outrage, with President Donald Trump delivering a blistering response, calling the pardons a “disgrace” and accusing Biden of shielding individuals guilty of “major crimes.”
Biden’s sweeping pardons also extended to U.S. Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd, who fatally shot unarmed protester Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 protests. This decision has only intensified the backlash from Trump and his supporters, who see it as an affront to justice and an effort to cover up wrongdoing by those in positions of power.
In a statement accompanying the pardons, Biden painted the recipients as selfless public servants unfairly targeted for their actions in service to the nation:
“Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy… 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’s statement defended General Milley, Fauci, and members of the January 6 Select Committee, claiming their actions were misunderstood or mischaracterized by political adversaries. He asserted that the pardons were not an admission of guilt but a step to protect those who have faced undue scrutiny.
Despite Biden’s attempt to frame the pardons as necessary for national unity, the decision has been met with harsh criticism, particularly from Trump and his allies.
Shortly after the pardons were announced, President Trump sent a fiery response to NBC journalist Kristen Welker. In a brief but pointed text, Trump condemned Biden’s actions:
“It is disgraceful. Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES!”
Trump’s reaction underscores his determination to hold these individuals accountable, despite Biden’s attempt to shield them from further investigations or legal consequences. The former president’s words reflect the frustration of many Americans who believe justice has been subverted to protect powerful elites.
One of the most contentious pardons was granted to Michael Byrd, the Capitol Police officer who shot Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 protests. Babbitt, an unarmed Air Force veteran, was attempting to climb through a window near the Speaker’s office when she was shot without warning. The incident, captured on video, has been a rallying point for those who view her as a martyr and believe her death was unjustified.
Biden’s decision to pardon Byrd has enraged Trump supporters, who see it as a blatant attempt to close the book on a case that deserves further investigation. For them, the pardon symbolizes the administration’s disregard for accountability and transparency.
Trump’s condemnation of the pardons is more than just rhetoric—it signals a commitment to pursuing accountability. With the backing of congressional allies, including Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Trump is expected to lead efforts to investigate figures like Fauci and Milley further.
Senator Paul has been a vocal critic of Fauci, particularly regarding his role in funding gain-of-function research and handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul’s determination to uncover the truth aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to expose corruption and hold public officials accountable.
“We’re not going to let these people off the hook,” Paul said in a recent interview. “The American people deserve answers, and we’re going to get them.”
Biden’s pardons mark the culmination of an administration mired in controversy and accused of prioritizing political allies over justice. While Biden defended his actions as necessary to protect public servants, critics argue that the pardons only deepen divisions and erode trust in government institutions.
For Trump and his supporters, the pardons are emblematic of a corrupt system that shields its own while punishing ordinary citizens. Trump’s fiery response suggests that the fight for accountability is far from over and that the individuals involved will remain under intense scrutiny.
Biden’s decision to pardon Fauci, Milley, Byrd, and others has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Trump leading the charge against what he sees as a gross miscarriage of justice. As the dust settles on Biden’s presidency, the fallout from these pardons will likely shape the political landscape for years to come.
Trump’s determination to hold these figures accountable signals that the battle for justice is far from over. For many Americans, the question remains: will the truth prevail, or will these pardons cement a legacy of unchecked corruption?
