WASHINGTON — In a controversial move during his final moments in office, President Joe Biden issued pardons to several family members, former officials, and political figures, according to a list released as part of his last official actions.
The pardons, granted just 15 minutes before his departure from office while standing in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, included members of Biden’s family: his brother James Biden, sister Valerie Biden Owens, and others, such as Sara Jones Biden, John T. Owens, and Francis Biden.
Earlier today, Biden delivered pardons for prominent figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley, and several former Republican lawmakers and officials who were part of the January 6 Committee, including Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff, and Adam Kinzinger. Staff members of the committee were also reportedly pardoned.
The sweeping use of the president’s pardon power has already sparked significant backlash from critics, who claim the move was aimed at shielding allies and family members from future investigations or potential charges. While the president’s pardon power is broad and final under the Constitution, questions about the timing and scope of the decisions are likely to dominate political discourse in the weeks ahead.