Outgoing President Joe Biden makes a controversial move in the final hours of his administration ahead of Donald Trump's second inauguration on Monday.

According to Daily Mail, Biden has issued preemptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and all nine members of the January 6 Committee, including former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney.

The pardons were announced just hours before Trump's swearing-in ceremony, sparking immediate backlash from Republican lawmakers and Trump supporters. Biden's decision extends protection to several high-profile figures who have faced criticism and threats of potential prosecution from Trump and his allies.

Trump Base Reacts To Controversial Presidential Pardons

Donald Trump Jr. was among the first to respond to the pardons, particularly regarding Dr. Fauci. The eldest Trump child suggested that Fauci's acceptance of the pardon would indicate guilt.

Taylor Budowich, incoming Assistant to the President, condemned Biden's action as an unprecedented attack on America's justice system. Republican senators and representatives expressed their dismay, with many vowing to continue investigations despite the pardons.

Senator Rand Paul, who previously referred Fauci to the Department of Justice for prosecution, declared his commitment to exposing what he called a "coverup." The Kentucky Republican emphasized that his role as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee would focus on investigating Fauci's actions during the pandemic.

Conservative voices across social media platforms expressed outrage at the pardons, particularly concerning Fauci's involvement in COVID-19 policies and alleged connections to gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China. Many viewed the timing of the pardons as a deliberate attempt to shield Biden's allies from potential prosecution under the incoming Trump administration.

Biden Defends Protection Of Public Servants Under Threat

Biden provided his rationale for the pardons in a morning statement. He emphasized:

Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.

The president stressed that the pardons should not be interpreted as acknowledgments of wrongdoing or guilt.

His statement highlighted the importance of protecting public servants who have faced threats and potential prosecution for their official duties.

Complex Legal Implications For Future Investigations

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin's previous comments about preemptive pardons have resurfaced in light of Biden's actions. The January 6 Committee member had previously stated that seeking pardons demonstrated consciousness of guilt or potential legal jeopardy.

Legal experts and political analysts are now debating the implications of accepting these pardons. Some argue that acceptance could be perceived as an admission of wrongdoing, while others maintain that the pardons serve as legitimate protection against politically motivated prosecution.

The timing of these pardons, coinciding with Trump's return to power, raises questions about their effectiveness and the potential for state-level investigations that federal pardons cannot prevent. Several Republican lawmakers have already indicated their intention to pursue alternative means of investigation despite the pardons.

Final Presidential Actions Mark Biden Administration End

Besides the high-profile pardons discussed above, Biden's final days in office have included numerous other clemency actions. His administration has commuted almost 2,500 sentences in the past week alone, following 39 pardons and 1,500 commutations issued in December.

The president and First Lady Jill Biden began vacating the White House Monday morning to prepare for the transition. Trump's inauguration ceremony is scheduled for noon, marking his return to the presidency for a second four-year term.

These actions follow Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who faced federal charges related to tax issues and firearm possession. The timing and scope of all these pardons have intensified political divisions as the country prepares for Trump's return to power.

Presidential Transition Marks Significant Power Shift

President Biden's final actions, particularly the preemptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, and January 6 Committee members represent his last major decisions before leaving office. The pardons protect several high-profile figures who faced potential prosecution under Trump's incoming administration.

The controversial move has intensified political tensions as Trump prepares to assume the presidency for his second term, with Republican lawmakers vowing to continue investigations despite the pardons' protections. The transition of power marks a significant shift in American politics, with Trump's return to the White House expected to bring substantial changes to political and legal landscapes.