Trump Criticizes Pardons, Claims Targets Are Guilty of Major Crimes
Cheney, Milley, Fauci Express Gratitude for Pardons
WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - On Monday, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for individuals targeted by his successor, Donald Trump, including former Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and former White House chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci. The pardons extend to all members of Congress, such as Cheney, who served on the select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, as well as police officers who testified during the inquiry.
Trump criticized the pardons, alleging that those receiving them were guilty of significant criminal offenses. Cheney, Milley, and Fauci, however, expressed gratitude for the pardons.
Trump, who is set to return to the presidency later on Monday, has consistently called for the prosecution of those he views as his political adversaries since securing the White House in November. In contrast, President Biden commended public servants as the "lifeblood of our democracy" and expressed concern over the threats and intimidation some have faced while fulfilling their duties. Without directly naming Trump, Biden emphasized that these public servants, who have served the nation with honor and distinction, should not be subjected to unjustified or politically motivated prosecutions.
The U.S. Constitution grants the president broad authority to issue pardons for federal offenses. Although pardons are usually granted to individuals who have been prosecuted, they can also apply to conduct that has not led to legal action.
In a text message to NBC reporter Kristen Welker, Trump criticized the pardons, saying, "It is disgraceful. Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES! DJT."
In December, Trump supported a call for the FBI to investigate Liz Cheney for her role in leading the Congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
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