In a move reeking of nepotism, soon-to-be-former President Joe Biden started his day by dealing out a series of preventive clemency to individuals, some of whom were closely related to him, and a few others who were speculated to face incoming President Trump’s Justice Department wrath.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who played a prominent role as a medical adviser to the former President, finds himself among the beneficiaries of Biden’s last-minute pardoning spree. Along with Fauci, prominent figures like the former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Mark Milley and lawmakers who partook in the U.S. House Select Committee’s examination of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol assault were also issued pardons.
In a statement doused with irony, Biden lauded the ‘dedicated, selfless public servants’ who form the ‘lifeblood of our democracy’ even in the face of consistent threats and intimidation. These very public servants, however, have been the center of various controversies during Biden’s tenure, undermining their supposed altruism.
Adding insult to injury, Biden proceeded to pardon his own family members in what can only be seen as a glaring abuse of power. These include Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden – his brother, sister-in-law, sister, and brother-in-law, respectively.
Throughout his term, Biden defended the discredited Dr. Fauci amidst wide-ranging criticism for his alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. It appears Biden’s actions indicate his willingness to prioritize personal allegiances and narratives over public safety and accountability. Trump has consistently pinpointed the dangers of such biased actions, promising to interrogate Fauci’s ambiguous actions during this global crisis.
Fauci’s constant downplaying of the severity of the pandemic and his emphasis on extreme precautions such as masking and social distancing were often at odds with Trump’s perspectives. With over 1.2 million tragic losses due to the virus, one is left wondering whether Fauci’s approach was the right one for the nation.
Biden’s pardon of former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, is equally bewildering. Trump has publicly criticized Milley over his clandestine communications with Chinese leaders, deeming it a serious offense and proposing execution as a suitable deterrent. Once again, Biden’s pardons seem to lack clarity and justice, opening the government to potential infiltrations and risks.
Milley’s controversial handling of the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, further mars his reputation. His apparent regret over the military presence responding to protests on U.S. soil came across as misplaced, considering the widespread unrest and chaos that prevailed.
In his indiscriminate stream of pardons, Biden didn’t spare members of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police either. These individuals had defended the Capitol from Trump supporters during the Jan. 6 riots and subsequently testified before the select committee, putting their political loyalties under scrutiny.
Interestingly, Biden didn’t hesitate to pardon former Republican House member Liz Cheney, a noted critic of Trump. Such a gesture not only questions Biden’s ability to see beyond party lines, but also amplifies the politically polarized environment that existed under his administration.
As Biden prepares to step down from the presidency, it’s astonishing to note the lengths this administration has taken to shield their allies from facing the consequences of their actions. The true import of these pardons will only become evident once the incoming Trump administration takes over.
The bittersweet inauguration of Trump is set to witness the presence of Biden and three other former Presidents – Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Despite their history of disagreements and political differences, it’ll be interesting to witness their reactions to Trump’s taking office.
The Biden-Harris regime, which leaves behind a legacy of public distrust and rampant abuse of power, will finally be put to the test as the Trump era begins. It’s a testament to the resilience of American democracy as we wait in anticipation for President Trump’s pledge of transparency and justice to come to fruition.