In a fiery response to former President Joe Biden’s controversial last-minute pardons, former President Donald Trump took aim at Liz Cheney, members of the January 6 Select Committee, and other high-profile figures. The pardons, issued in Biden’s final hours in office, have ignited a political firestorm, with Republicans accusing the administration of corruption and Democrats defending the move as a defense of democracy.
Trump Blasts Cheney and January 6 Committee Pardons
Speaking to reporters while signing several executive orders in the Oval Office, Trump addressed the pardons and reiterated his focus on the “J6 hostages,” referring to individuals detained in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot.
“I was going to talk about the J6 hostages, but you’ll be happy because, you know, it’s action, not words that count, and you’re going to see a lot of action on the J6 hostages,” Trump said.
Turning his attention to Biden’s pardons, Trump criticized the decision, particularly the inclusion of Liz Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump and former Republican congresswoman. “Why are we doing this? Why are we trying to help a guy like [General Mark] Milley? Why are we helping Liz Cheney?” Trump questioned. He referred to Cheney as a “crying lunatic” and accused the pardons of being a political maneuver to protect allies of the Biden administration.
Biden’s Historic Pardons: Key Figures Included
In a move that many saw as unprecedented, Biden granted preemptive pardons to several prominent individuals, including:
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former NIAID Director and Chief Medical Advisor to the President.
- General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, including Liz Cheney.
In a written statement, Biden defended the decision, emphasizing the dedication of these individuals to public service.
“Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy,” Biden wrote. “Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”
Biden praised the contributions of Fauci and Milley, describing them as pivotal figures in their respective fields.
- On Fauci: “For more than half a century, Dr. Fauci served our country. He saved countless lives by managing the government’s response to pressing health crises, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States is safer and healthier because of him.”
- On Milley: “As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley guided our Armed Forces through complex global security threats, strengthened our alliances, and defended democracy during challenging times.”
Republican Backlash: Corruption Allegations Fly
Republicans swiftly condemned the pardons, characterizing them as a political shield for those involved in what they describe as a partisan investigation into January 6.
Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) said the pardons “prove they know she’s guilty,” referring to Liz Cheney. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) accused Biden of sealing his administration’s legacy as one of “corruption, pay-to-play schemes, and the overall total sellout of American principles.”
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who led the GOP counterprobe into the January 6 committee, called the pardons a “direct result of our investigation.” Similarly, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) denounced the pardoned individuals as engaging in “unlawful, deceitful, and corrupt” behavior.
Biden Defends Pardons Amid Divisive Political Climate
In his statement, Biden highlighted the exceptional circumstances surrounding his decision, citing ongoing politically motivated threats and investigations.
“On January 6, 2021, American democracy was tested when a mob of insurrectionists attacked the Capitol in an attempt to overturn a fair and free election by force and violence,” Biden wrote. He praised the January 6 committee for fulfilling its mission “with integrity and a commitment to discovering the truth.”
Biden argued that the pardons were necessary to protect individuals from baseless legal and financial attacks.
“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden concluded.
Political Implications of the Pardons
The pardons have further deepened the divide between Democrats and Republicans, with both sides using the move to galvanize their respective bases. For Democrats, the pardons underscore their commitment to defending democracy and protecting public servants from undue persecution. For Republicans, the move is seen as an admission of guilt and a reflection of corruption within the Biden administration.
The fallout from Biden’s pardons is expected to play a significant role in shaping the political narrative as the 2024 presidential race intensifies. Trump, who has made his opposition to the January 6 committee a cornerstone of his platform, is likely to use the pardons to rally his supporters and reinforce his claims of political bias within the justice system.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons for Liz Cheney, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and others have sparked a political firestorm, with Republicans accusing the administration of corruption and Democrats defending the move as a necessary measure to protect public servants.
As the 2024 election looms, the implications of these pardons will likely reverberate across the political landscape, serving as both a rallying cry for Trump supporters and a symbol of Biden’s commitment to defending democracy. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between accountability and partisanship in an increasingly polarized America.