On Monday, President Joe Biden issued historic preemptive pardons for several individuals, including former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and members of the House January 6th committee, granting them immunity just hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Biden explained the pardons were necessary to protect public servants who have faced threats and criminal prosecution for performing their duties, including General Mark Milley and Dr. Fauci, both of whom had served the nation with distinction.

In his statement, Biden emphasized that these individuals had been subjected to politically motivated attacks and prosecutions. He praised Fauci for his decades of service in managing public health crises and Milley for his leadership during global security threats. Biden also defended the work of the January 6th committee, which investigated the Capitol attack, noting that its members had been subjected to intimidation and false criminal accusations.

Biden expressed his belief in the rule of law but argued that the politically charged investigations into these public servants were damaging their reputations and safety, despite their unwavering commitment to serving the nation. He stressed that the pardons were essential to prevent further harm to those who had been unjustly targeted.

With Biden’s approval ratings at a low point as he prepares to leave office, the pardons reflect his final actions in the political sphere. Despite his declining popularity, with approval hovering around 37%, Biden is making a final push to secure his legacy before stepping away from the spotlight, leaving behind executive orders that may prove difficult for his successor to reverse.