Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

LetMyPeopleVote

(158,145 posts)
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 11:26 AM Jan 20

MaddowBlog-Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for potential Trump targets

With just hours remaining, the retiring Democrat issued pardons for Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci and several people related to the Jan. 6 investigation.
https://bsky.app/profile/joy.msnbc.com/post/3lg6ijsjqlk2l

🚨Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for potential Trump targets

With just hours remaining, the retiring Democrat issued pardons for Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci and several people related to the Jan. 6 investigation

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/biden-preemptive-pardons-jan-6-cheney-fauci-milley-rcna188366

For weeks, there's been speculation and White House debate about whether President Joe Biden would issue pre-emptive pardons for those who might be targeted by Donald Trump. As Inauguration Day approached, it appeared that the retiring Democrat had decided not to pursue such an approach.

Those appearances were wrong. With just hours remaining in his term, Biden issued pardons for:

Ret. Gen. Mark Milley
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Members and staffers of the House Jan. 6 committee
Police officers who testified before the Jan. 6 committee

......"Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day," the outgoing president said in a written statement, which did not reference his Republican successor by name. "They are the lifeblood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties."

"In certain cases, some have even been threatened with criminal prosecutions, including General Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, and the members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. 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."....

"I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing," the outgoing president added in his statement. "Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances."

Biden concluded, "The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense. Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country."
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
MaddowBlog-Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for potential Trump targets (Original Post) LetMyPeopleVote Jan 20 OP
I think they should be referred to as PROTECTIVE Pardons. mackdaddy Jan 20 #1
Might as well declare them Guilty! 4th gen blue Jan 20 #2
Fauci... 2naSalit Jan 20 #4
So happy that staff are included! cally Jan 20 #3
Thank you President Biden LetMyPeopleVote Jan 20 #5

mackdaddy

(1,692 posts)
1. I think they should be referred to as PROTECTIVE Pardons.
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 11:32 AM
Jan 20

Because that is really what they are doing, and somewhat blunts the implied 'they did something wrong' idea.

I cant believe we are really getting the as Dear Leader.

4th gen blue

(25 posts)
2. Might as well declare them Guilty!
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 11:36 AM
Jan 20

I hate this. These honorable people will be stained by this no matter what he says the reasoning.
Everything we've fought and sacrificed for is being surrendered without a fight.

2naSalit

(95,290 posts)
4. Fauci...
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 12:37 PM
Jan 20

At least, is thankful and has said as much. It is to stave off illegal retribution and the ruination of their lives from legal costs ans anxiety they don't deserve. If things were normal it would be egregious but these aren't normal times and these heroes need their CiC to protect them. This is the one best way that he can within legal parameters.

I have no problem with it.

cally

(21,730 posts)
3. So happy that staff are included!
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 11:45 AM
Jan 20

They are the ones who would have difficulty raising funds for legal battles. I still remember all the staff interrogated during Lewinsky insanity

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»MaddowBlog-Biden issues p...