A Presidential Pardon Like No Other: Biden’s Stunning Final Act Before Trump Takes Office

Washington, D.C. – In a dramatic and unprecedented farewell move, President Joe Biden left office with a flurry of pardons that sent shockwaves through Washington, D.C., and beyond. As his successor, President Donald Trump, took the oath of office, Biden quietly issued sweeping clemency orders that have ignited fierce debate over the limits of presidential power and the motivations behind such acts.

But the real twist? Biden’s pardons included not just controversial public figures but also a preemptive shield for his entire family, leaving the nation questioning whether this was a bold act of legacy preservation or an audacious attempt to rewrite the rules.

The Last-Minute Pardons That Stole the Spotlight

As the world watched Trump’s inauguration unfold, Biden issued a blanket pardon for his siblings and their spouses—a move that blindsided even seasoned political analysts. While none of them have been publicly accused or convicted of crimes, the act has raised eyebrows about what Biden might be trying to preemptively shield them from.

In a statement accompanying the pardon, Biden explained, “My family has endured relentless attacks and baseless accusations. This step ensures they can live free from politically motivated harassment.”

The pardon extends to James Biden and his wife Sara, Valerie Biden Owens and her husband John Owens, and Francis Biden. This shocking move follows Biden’s earlier controversial pardon of his son Hunter Biden, which covered an expansive ten-year window of potential offenses.

Republican critics, including House Oversight Chairman James Comer, wasted no time in condemning Biden’s actions. “The Biden family has consistently evaded accountability, and this is just another blatant attempt to put them above the law,” Comer said in a statement.

The Fauci Controversy

Among the pardoned was Dr. Anthony Fauci, a figure whose name became synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who has faced sharp criticism from some lawmakers for his handling of the pandemic and his alleged involvement in gain-of-function research, now finds himself insulated from potential prosecution.

Legal experts were quick to point out that while a pardon protects Fauci from past crimes, it doesn’t shield him from new investigations or potential future perjury charges. Senator Rand Paul, one of Fauci’s most vocal critics, tweeted, “A pardon doesn’t erase the truth. Fauci still owes the American people answers.”

In a statement, Fauci welcomed the pardon but maintained that he had committed no wrongdoing. “This pardon is appreciated, but I stand by my record and my testimony,” he said, insisting he has nothing to hide.

Sweeping Clemency: A Record-Breaking Farewell

Biden’s clemency spree didn’t stop there. In an extraordinary use of presidential pardon power, he extended clemency to Gen. Mark Milley, members of the January 6 congressional investigation, and outspoken Trump critics such as Liz Cheney. The move, Biden explained, was an effort to prevent “unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions” under the new administration.

This unprecedented use of clemency powers marks the broadest application of preemptive pardons in U.S. history. Legal scholars are divided on whether such pardons are constitutional, with some suggesting they could be challenged in court.