Biden's farewell: Check out the pardons of his family members and controversial politicians

image
Joe Biden by is licensed under YouTube
Washington, D.C. – In a dramatic final act before leaving office, Joe Biden issued a sweeping set of preemptive pardons on Monday just minutes before Trump was sworn in. The pardons targeted individuals at the center of what he described as a "potential wave of political retribution" from the incoming Trump administration, including Biden’s family members.

The Presidential Pardon Includes

Among those pardoned are General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the members of the House Select Committee who investigated the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident. Those committee members include State Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, and Senator Adam Schiff of California.

He issued preemptive pardons for five family members. They were James Biden, Joe's younger brother; Sara Jones Biden, James' wife; Valerie Biden Owens, Joe's younger sister; John T. Owens', Valerie's husband; and Francis W. Biden, Joe's younger brother.

Biden's decision, announced early Monday morning, was described by the White House as a "shield against baseless and politically motivated investigations." In a statement, Biden said, "I believe in the rule of law, but these are exceptional circumstances where I cannot in good conscience do nothing."

The president highlighted the financial and reputational damage that could ensue from mere investigations, even without formal charges.

Legal Implications

Legal scholars have noted that while the Constitution grants the president broad pardon powers, Biden's use is distinctly preemptive, aiming to prevent any legal actions by the incoming administration. This type of pardon, more commonly seen in scenarios like Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon, has rarely been applied in such a broad, anticipatory manner.

It’s a political maneuver to protect those who, in the eyes of many, have failed or betrayed the nation. Fauci escapes scrutiny for his Covid policies, Milley for alleged insubordination, and the committee for what a lot of people view as a partisan witch hunt.

Biden may have prevented federal prosecution, but that doesn't prevent the states from going after them.

The pardon is getting mixed responses. Critics argue it might set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that future outgoing presidents could use pardons to immunize allies or critics of their successors. On the other hand, supporters view it as a necessary defense against what they see as threats of political vendetta from Trump, who has openly talked about prosecuting his "enemies."

Biden's move contradicts his statements in a CNN interview done in 2020, in which he said, “Now in terms of the pardons, you’re not going to see in our administration that kind of approach to pardons,” he added. “Nor are you going to see in our administration the approach to making policy by tweets. You know, it’s going to be a totally different way to which we approach the justice system.”

As the nation watches Trump's return to power, these pardons might well define Biden's legacy as much as any policy he enacted during his term.
 
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Sign in to comment

Comments

Powered by LET CMS™ Comments

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

© 2025 Law Enforcement Today, Privacy Policy