President Joe Biden on his final morning in office issued preemptive pardons to lawmakers who investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol and police officers who testified in the inquiry, as well as two high-profile former government officials who have previously clashed with President-elect Donald Trump.
“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 said in a statement Monday.
“That is why I am exercising my authority under the Constitution to pardon General Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the Members of Congress and staff who served on the Select Committee, and the U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee,” he said.
