Biden in Final Hours Pardons Cheney, Fauci and Milley to Thwart Reprisals
In a surprising move in his final hours as President, Joe Biden has pardoned three controversial figures: former Vice President Dick Cheney, top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. The pardons, which were met with mixed reactions from the public and political commentators, are seen as an attempt by Biden to thwart potential reprisals from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President under George W. Bush, has long been a divisive figure in American politics. His role in the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 and his support for controversial interrogation methods like waterboarding have made him a target of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. The pardon of Cheney has raised eyebrows among Biden’s supporters, who see it as a betrayal of the principles of accountability and justice.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, on the other hand, has been a key figure in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Fauci has been a leading voice in the public health response to the virus. However, his recommendations and guidance have been met with skepticism and hostility from some quarters, especially from those who oppose lockdowns and mask mandates. The pardon of Fauci is seen as a gesture of support for the scientific community and a rebuke to those who have sought to undermine his credibility.
General Mark Milley, the highest-ranking military officer in the United States, has also been a controversial figure. His actions in response to the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol, including reportedly defying orders from then-President Trump to deploy troops to quell the violence, have earned him both praise and condemnation. The pardon of Milley is seen as a nod to his loyalty to the Constitution and his commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Overall, the pardons of Cheney, Fauci, and Milley by President Biden in his final hours in office have sparked debate and controversy. While some see them as necessary measures to protect these individuals from potential retaliation, others view them as a betrayal of the principles of accountability and justice. Only time will tell how these pardons will be remembered in the annals of American history.