Joe Biden’s time in the White House is over. But he can’t avoid what’s about to come to him.
Because Congress is slapping former President Biden with an investigation he can’t escape.
Republican Lawmakers Condemn Biden’s Preemptive Pardons for Allies Amid Power Transition
Republican leaders erupted with criticism following Joe Biden’s last-minute decision to issue preemptive pardons to several allies on the eve of his departure from office. The pardons, aimed at shielding individuals who have faced or could face retribution from President Trump’s administration, have sparked widespread debate.
The list of pardoned individuals includes Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the now-defunct House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. The announcement, made just hours before Biden ceded power to Trump, has been met with sharp backlash from GOP lawmakers.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, took to X, formerly Twitter, to voice his dissatisfaction. “Implication is that they needed the pardons,” Roy wrote. “So, let’s call them all before Congress and demand the truth. If they refuse or lie – let’s test the constitutional ‘reach’ of these pardons with regard to their future actions.”
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who now chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, pledged to intensify investigations into Fauci, particularly regarding his role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul, a long-standing critic of Fauci, has accused the former chief medical advisor of mismanagement during the crisis.
“If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Biden’s pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal,” Paul declared on X. “As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will not rest until the entire truth of the coverup is exposed. Fauci’s pardon will only serve as an accelerant to pierce the veil of deception.”
Other Republicans joined the chorus of criticism. Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., condemned the pardons as an effort to protect Democrats from accountability, calling the move a hallmark of “the most CORRUPT Administration in American history.”
Similarly, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., suggested that Biden’s actions were a desperate attempt to conceal wrongdoing, questioning, “What’s he so desperate to hide?”
On the Democratic side, Biden’s decision drew praise. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., a vocal advocate for the pardons, commended Biden for protecting public servants and accused Trump of abusing power. “These pardons are essential to protecting the public servants and law enforcement who defended our democracy and worked tirelessly to keep us safe,” Boyle said.
Donald Trump has previously hinted at retribution against his enemies, though he has also stated that his return to the White House would be sufficient payback.
Notably, Trump has issued his own pardons to political allies such as Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, though those cases involved charges already filed by the Department of Justice.
Despite the controversy, there is historical precedent for preemptive pardons. Gerald Ford famously pardoned Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal, a decision that remains a point of debate among historians and legal experts.
Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley both expressed gratitude for the pardons, highlighting the toll of politically charged threats on their families and careers.
Fauci described the threats as baseless and damaging, stating, “The fact is, however, that the mere articulation of these baseless threats, and the potential that they will be acted upon, create immeasurable and intolerable distress for me and my family.” Milley echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing his dedication to service and the Constitution over his four-decade military career.
The fallout from Biden’s decision is likely to intensify as Republicans in Congress set their sights on investigations into these preemptive pardons.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
