Biden’s Preemptive Pardons of Fauci, Milley and Cheney Rewrite the Rules of Political Survival in a Divided America

Biden’s Strategic Pardons Signal a New Era of Political Preemption

In an extraordinary move that will be analyzed for years to come, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to several prominent figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, former Representative Liz Cheney, and members of the House January 6 Committee. These pardons, coming as one of his final acts as president, are aimed squarely at shielding them from the political retribution promised by incoming President Donald Trump. Far from a routine use of presidential clemency, this decision is a calculated response to a fractured political landscape—and a bold attempt to rewrite the rules of political survival in a polarized America.

Pardons in the Name of Protection

Biden’s clemency is a protective shield, not a declaration of innocence or guilt. The president made it clear that his intent was not to absolve anyone of crimes but to guard public servants from politically driven investigations and potential harassment. These pardons were issued under what Biden called “exceptional circumstances,” as the individuals involved have faced threats and relentless political targeting.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, for instance, has been a frequent scapegoat for critics of COVID-19 policies, accused of covering up the virus's origins and mishandling public health measures. Similarly, General Mark Milley has faced accusations of undermining presidential authority during the final months of Trump’s administration. Liz Cheney and members of the January 6 Committee, too, have weathered intense scrutiny and attacks for their roles in investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

A Preemptive Strike Against Trump’s Promised Retribution

Biden’s move is as much about countering Trump as it is about protecting individuals. The former president has vowed retribution against those he perceives as adversaries, particularly those involved in the investigations into the January 6 Capitol attack. By preemptively pardoning these figures, Biden cuts off Trump’s ability to use the justice system as a tool for political payback.

However, this decision doesn’t just shield public servants—it escalates the political chess match. Trump is expected to frame these pardons as admissions of guilt, rallying his base and using this narrative as a weapon in his return to the White House. The cycle of accusation, retaliation, and counter-retaliation has reached a new peak, threatening to reshape how justice and accountability are wielded in American politics.

Dr. Fauci, General Milley, and Liz Cheney: Lightning Rods for Controversy

Each recipient of Biden’s pardons brings their own set of controversies, highlighting the stakes of this unprecedented decision:

• Dr. Anthony Fauci has been at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic response, lauded for his scientific expertise but criticized by detractors for policies like school closures, which he later admitted were handled poorly. Unsubstantiated allegations of covering up the virus's origins have only fueled the backlash against him.

• General Mark Milley sparked outrage with secret communications to a Chinese official during Trump’s presidency, actions that some called insubordination. His role in the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal has also drawn ire from political and military figures.

• Liz Cheney, a staunch critic of Trump, became a polarizing figure for her leadership in the January 6 investigation. While praised by some for standing against Trump, she faced political isolation within her own party and accusations of misconduct during the investigation.

The Public and Media Weigh In

Biden’s pardons have unleashed a torrent of reactions, reflecting the divided state of American politics.

• Supporters view the move as a necessary act to protect democracy and shield public servants from politically motivated attacks. They argue it sends a message that governance should be rooted in principle, not fear of retaliation.

• Critics, however, see it as overreach. Some claim it sets a dangerous precedent, allowing presidents to use pardons as a tool of partisanship. Others worry it erodes trust in the justice system, potentially casting recipients as guilty in the court of public opinion.

Media outlets, too, have been quick to dissect the implications. The Associated Press has called the pardons a “watershed moment,” noting their preventive nature. The Atlantic highlights the broader need for reconciliation in a country increasingly defined by political division.

A Legal and Economic Wild Card

The ripple effects of Biden’s decision are not limited to politics—they could reverberate across legal and economic landscapes as well.

The Legal Precedent: A Double-Edged Sword

By employing preemptive pardons, Biden has expanded the boundaries of presidential clemency. This may embolden future presidents to use pardons as shields for allies, particularly in polarized climates. While this could provide stability for public servants, it also risks turning clemency into a partisan tool, further undermining faith in neutral justice.

Economic Uncertainty Amid Political Turmoil

The market isn’t immune to political volatility, and Biden’s decision adds a layer of unpredictability.

• Institutional Risks: As governance becomes more contentious, investors may price in additional risk, particularly in sectors reliant on government stability, like defense and infrastructure.

• Healthcare and Pharma: Fauci’s pardon reinforces trust in the scientific community, potentially bolstering pandemic preparedness investments. However, renewed scrutiny from political opponents could temper this optimism.

• Defense Stocks: While geopolitical tensions drive spending, controversies surrounding figures like Milley could introduce reputational risks for the military-industrial complex.

Key Opinion: A New Political Reality

Biden’s pardons reflect a stark reality: American governance is shifting from reaction to preemption. In an era where political adversaries wield the justice system as a weapon, Biden’s move is a defensive gambit aimed at preserving democratic norms.

However, this strategy also sets a troubling precedent. As political cycles become defined by retaliation and counter-retaliation, the line between justice and partisanship continues to blur. The message to future leaders is clear—survival increasingly depends on anticipating and neutralizing threats before they materialize.

This moment is not just about the individuals pardoned or the immediate political fallout. It signals a transformation in how power is wielded and protected in America. Leadership is no longer just about governing the present—it’s about shaping the battlefield of the future. The success of this approach, for Biden and his successors, will depend on whether it strengthens the foundations of democracy or accelerates its polarization.

In this unprecedented chapter of American politics, the stakes have never been higher.