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As President Joe Biden concluded his presidency on January 20, 2025, he exercised his constitutional power to grant a series of preemptive pardons. These pardons, issued on his last day in office, have garnered national attention and sparked widespread discussion about their implications.Among the most notable figures pardoned were former Representative Liz Cheney and several key staff and police witnesses who testified during the Congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack. Cheney, a staunch critic of former President Donald Trump, played a pivotal role in the committee’s efforts to uncover the events leading up to and during the insurrection.
Biden also granted pardons to General Mark A. Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a prominent figure in the administration's COVID-19 response. Both Milley and Fauci were critical players in Biden's administration, and their pardons are seen as protective measures against potential legal challenges stemming from their official duties. Other high-profile figures receiving pardons included Representatives Adam Schiff and Jamie Raskin. Schiff, a Democratic Congressman from California, and Raskin, from Maryland, were both instrumental members of the January 6 committee. Their pardons reflect Biden’s efforts to shield those who were deeply involved in the investigation from future prosecution or political retribution.
Additionally, Biden pardoned immigration advocate Ravidath "Ravi" Ragbir, who was convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. Ragbir’s case had become a focal point for immigration rights activists, who argued that his conviction was unjust and his subsequent deportation orders were politically motivated. In a particularly personal move, Biden pardoned his brother, James Biden, along with several other family members. This included James’s wife, Sara Jones Biden, his sister Valerie Biden Owens, her husband John Owens, and another brother, Francis Biden. The president cited concerns about "baseless and politically motivated investigations" that could threaten their safety and financial security.
In a statement, Biden emphasized his belief that these investigations were intended to "wreak havoc" on his family’s lives.Perhaps one of the most symbolic pardons was granted posthumously to Marcus Garvey, a civil rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923. Garvey’s work in the early 20th century laid the foundation for the Black nationalist and pan-African movements. His conviction has long been viewed by many historians and civil rights advocates as a miscarriage of justice. By pardoning Garvey, Biden sought to correct a historical wrong and honor the legacy of a man who played a crucial role in the fight for racial equality.
The implications of these pardons are multifaceted. On the one hand, they are seen as acts of clemency aimed at protecting individuals who have served in high-pressure, politically charged roles. On the other, they highlight Biden’s broader concerns about the use of legal mechanisms to target political adversaries and associates. Critics argue that some of these pardons may set a concerning precedent for future administrations, while supporters contend that they are necessary to safeguard public servants and uphold justice.As the nation reflects on Biden’s presidency, these last-minute pardons will likely be a significant part of his legacy. They underscore his commitment to protecting those he believes were unfairly targeted and addressing perceived injustices, both past and present.
Source: Adapted from USA TODAY.