Biden pardons Trump opponents in final hours of his term

In an unusual move in his final hours in the White House, Biden similarly pardoned members, staff and witnesses of the U.S. House of Representatives committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, violent attack on the Capitol.

"These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be subject to unwarranted and politically motivated persecution," Biden said.

"These are extraordinary circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience take no action."

Trump, who will be sworn in hours later on January 20, has repeatedly promised "retribution" against his political opponents and has threatened some of them with prosecution.

Fauci has become the face of the fight against the smallpox pandemic, but his views on the disease during Trump's first term have brought him into conflict with the Republican.

In addition, the scientist has become a hated figure to many on the right, including Elon Musk, who has repeatedly called for Fauci to be held accountable.

Trump was enraged after Miley, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Republican's first term, told journalist Bob Woodward that Trump was a "fascist to the bone" and "the most dangerous man for this country." 

Miley also revealed that he secretly called his Chinese counterpart after the Capitol attack to assure Beijing that the US remained "stable" and had no intention of attacking China.

Trump subsequently wrote on his social networking site "Truth" that "in days gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!" for Miley.

Meanwhile, among the members of the Capitol Hill Schism Committee is fierce Trump critic and former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney.

"Unwarranted and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety and financial security of those targeted and their families," Biden said.

The Democrat added that a pardon "should not be taken as an admission that someone has committed any wrongdoing, nor should it be interpreted as an admission of guilt of any crime." | BGNES