On January 20, US President Joe Biden issued pre-emptive pardons for General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress involved in the January 6 Capitol attack investigation. This move aims to protect them from potential retaliatory actions by incoming President Donald Trump.
The pardons, issued in Biden's final hours as president, are a significant use of presidential power. They protect critics of President-elect Trump, including former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, from retribution.
Biden stated, "These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing." He emphasized that politically motivated investigations harm individuals and their families.
Biden explained that public servants face threats for performing their duties. The pardons are not an admission of guilt but a gesture of gratitude for their service.
General Milley expressed gratitude, highlighting his desire to avoid unnecessary legal battles and protect his family from stress.
Preemptive pardons on this scale are unprecedented. Unlike President Ford's pardon of Nixon, those pardoned by Biden were not facing imminent legal action, but Biden deemed the threat significant enough to warrant protection.
A pre-emptive pardon is when someone is forgiven for any crimes they might be accused of in the future, even before they are charged. It's like saying 'you won't get in trouble for this' before anything happens.
General Mark Milley is a high-ranking officer in the United States military. He has served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which means he is one of the top military advisors to the President.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is a well-known doctor in the United States who has been an important figure in managing the country's response to health issues like COVID-19. He has worked for many years in public health.
Congress members are people who are elected to make laws in the United States. They are part of the government and work in a place called Congress, which is similar to India's Parliament.
The January 6 Capitol attack was an event where a group of people entered the US Capitol building without permission. It happened in 2021 and was a big news event because it was seen as an attack on democracy.
Retaliatory actions are things done to get back at someone, like revenge. In this context, it means actions that might be taken against Milley, Fauci, and others by a new leader who might not like them.
Donald Trump is a former President of the United States. The term 'incoming' suggests he might be taking office again, which means he could become President once more.
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