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Former President Donald Trump strongly criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to issue last-minute pardons to prominent figures linked to the January 6th investigation. These actions, taken on Biden’s final day in office, have drawn sharp rebukes from conservative lawmakers and Trump allies.
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Among those pardoned were individuals such as former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, members of the January 6th Select Committee, and former House Republican Rep. Liz Cheney. Critics described the move as an attempt to shield individuals from accountability for their roles in what has been labeled by many as a politically charged investigation.
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Republican lawmakers swiftly condemned the pardons, interpreting them as an admission of wrongdoing by those implicated. The announcement fueled accusations of corruption and alleged weaponization of the justice system under the Biden administration. Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) remarked that the pardons prove they know she’s guilty, referring to Cheney and others.
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Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) echoed similar sentiments, stating that Biden’s actions symbolized a “sellout of American principles” and would cement his administration’s legacy as one marked by corruption and political favoritism. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) pointed to the GOP-led counter-investigation into the January 6th Committee, suggesting that the pardons were a direct response to findings that questioned the integrity of those involved.
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In a statement, Trump expressed his disapproval of the pardons, calling out Cheney in particular, whom he described as a “disaster” for her actions while serving on the January 6th Committee. He criticized the broader effort as a politically motivated campaign against his presidency and supporters.
Trump says: “Why are we doing this? Why are we trying to help a guy like Milley? Why are we helping Liz Cheney?” he asked. “I mean, Liz Cheney is a disaster. She’s a crying lunatic and crying, crying.”
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The pardons were presented by Biden as a defense of public servants who had faced criticism for their roles during contentious periods in recent history. In a statement justifying the move, Biden referred to individuals such as Gen. Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci as honorable public servants who had been unfairly targeted. He described the January 6th Committee’s work as essential to uncovering the truth about the events at the Capitol.
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However, Republicans rejected these claims, arguing that the committee’s efforts had been politically driven from the start. They maintained that the pardons undermined justice and served to shield allies of the Biden administration from scrutiny.
The controversy has reignited debate over the legacy of the January 6th Committee and the broader implications of Biden’s final actions as president. Republican leaders have vowed to continue investigating what they view as abuses of power and to ensure accountability for all involved.