Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, addressed the public Monday after Joe Biden included him in a series of preemptive pardons issued just before leaving office.

The pardons, which also cover Gen. Mark Milley, former lawmakers and staff from the January 6 Committee, and law enforcement officers who testified before the committee, aim to shield recipients from potential investigations under the incoming Trump administration.

Mar 19, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Fmr. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley testifies before the House Foreign Affairs committee during a hearing about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Joe Biden framed the pardons as a protective measure against what he described as “baseless and politically motivated investigations.”

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In a public statement, he emphasized that the pardons were not an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing by the individuals involved.

“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden said. “Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families.”

Biden clarified that the pardons should not be interpreted as admissions of guilt.

“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgement that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,” he added.

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Dr. Fauci, who became a controversial figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed gratitude for Biden’s decision.

Speaking to ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Fauci denied any wrongdoing and reiterated his commitment to public service.

“I really truly appreciate the action President Biden has taken today on my behalf,” Fauci said. “Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me.”

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MSNBC reported on what Fauci and others had to say about the pardons.

The statement came amid criticism from conservative voices, who argued that accepting a pardon could create the perception of guilt.

Legal experts noted that pardons eliminate the constitutional protection against self-incrimination, making recipients like Fauci potentially obligated to testify in future investigations.

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Biden’s decision to pardon high-profile figures has sparked debate over its timing and intent. Gen. Mark Milley, also included in the pardons, has faced scrutiny for his communications with foreign officials during Trump’s presidency.

Members of the January 6 Committee, along with U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified during its hearings, are likewise protected under the clemency order.

Oct 13, 2022; Washington, DC, USA;
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is played during a hearing by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon House Office Building on October 13, 2022 in Washington, DC. The bipartisan committee, in possibly its final hearing, has been gathering evidence for almost a year related to the January 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol. On January 6, 2021, supporters of former President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building during an attempt to disrupt a congressional vote to confirm the electoral college win for President Joe Biden. Mandatory Credit: Alex Wong/Pool via USA TODAY

The pardons come as Republicans prepare to take control of key congressional committees, with lawmakers signaling potential investigations into Fauci’s pandemic policies, Milley’s conduct, and the actions of the January 6 Committee.

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) have indicated that accountability for alleged misconduct will be a priority in the new administration.

Critics argue that the pardons undermine the integrity of public service by shielding individuals from potential accountability.

Some conservatives suggested that Fauci’s acceptance of the pardon undermines his claim of innocence.

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The sentiment reflects broader skepticism among conservatives who view the pardons as a political maneuver rather than a necessity.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, the legal and political landscape surrounding the pardoned individuals is likely to remain contentious.

While Biden’s clemency shields them from prosecution, it does not preclude congressional hearings or testimonies under oath.

Republicans have signaled their intent to pursue these avenues, ensuring that the controversies surrounding the pardons will continue to be a focal point in the months ahead.

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