On the last day of his presidency, US President Joe Biden took a bold step by issuing pre-emptive pardons for several family members and political figures. This move was aimed at protecting those who opposed President-elect Donald Trump and ensuring Biden's family would not face prosecution under the new administration.
Biden granted clemency to high-profile individuals like General Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress involved in the January 6th Capitol attack investigation. His family members, including his brothers James and Frank, sister Valerie, and their spouses, were also pardoned.
Biden emphasized that his family had been unfairly targeted by partisan attacks. He expressed concerns about potential legal threats from Trump's administration, including influence peddling investigations. Biden stated, "My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me--the worst kind of partisan politics."
In addition to the pardons, Biden commuted the sentence of Leonard Peltier, an indigenous activist convicted in 1975. Due to Peltier's age and health, he will serve the remainder of his sentence at home.
Biden's actions were seen as a defensive measure against potential retribution from Trump's administration. He highlighted the damaging effects of politically motivated investigations and stressed the importance of protecting public servants. Biden's final acts in office were framed as efforts to safeguard individuals at risk due to their political views.
Joe Biden is the President of the United States. He was elected in 2020 and is a member of the Democratic Party.
Pre-emptive pardons are given to people before they are charged with a crime. It is a way to protect them from being prosecuted in the future.
General Mark Milley is a high-ranking officer in the United States Army. He served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is a very important military position.
Anthony Fauci is a doctor and scientist who has been a leading figure in the fight against COVID-19 in the United States. He has worked for many years in public health.
The Trump administration refers to the time when Donald Trump was the President of the United States, from 2017 to 2021. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Leonard Peltier is an indigenous activist who has been in prison for many years. He is known for his work advocating for the rights of Native American people.
Commuting a sentence means reducing the time someone has to spend in prison. It is different from a pardon, which completely forgives the crime.
An indigenous activist is someone who works to support and protect the rights of indigenous people, who are the original inhabitants of a region.
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