In one of his final actions as president, Joe Biden issued pardons on Monday for several individuals he believed might face politically motivated prosecutions under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The move, made in the final days of his presidency, was framed by Biden as necessary to protect public servants who had acted honorably.

“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden said in a statement. “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances.”

Among those pardoned were prominent figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Also included in the pardons were members of the House committee that investigated the January 6th Capitol attack.

Biden emphasized that these individuals had served their country with honor and distinction and should not become the targets of unfounded legal actions.

“These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden added in his statement.

The pardons come amid heightened tensions surrounding the incoming Trump administration. On the campaign trail, Trump had repeatedly promised to prosecute his political opponents.

With his victory in the 2024 election, Trump has already begun to solidify his influence over law enforcement, appointing loyalists to key positions.

Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, had previously drafted a list of individuals he labeled as “deep state” actors, suggesting they could face legal action under the new administration.

Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, has also drawn attention for her stance on law enforcement.

Just last week, she assured the public that her decisions regarding potential prosecutions would be based solely on “the facts and the law.”

The pardons, announced by Biden in his final days in office, are seen by many as a safeguard against what the president described as politically motivated prosecutions that could undermine the integrity of public service.

The individuals pardoned by Biden have been at the center of political battles throughout his presidency, with both Fauci and Milley frequently attacked by Trump and his allies.

The January 6th committee members were similarly targeted by conservatives who viewed their investigation as partisan.

Biden’s decision to act in his final moments in office highlights the deep divisions within American politics.

While Trump’s campaign promises included vows of retribution against those he views as political enemies, Biden’s pardons underscore a commitment to defending the integrity of individuals who he believes have been unfairly targeted.

The pardons also come at a time of increasing scrutiny of the incoming Trump administration’s plans for handling political dissent.

As Trump assembles his team, questions continue to swirl about how his government will approach issues of justice, law enforcement, and political accountability.

In the meantime, the Biden administration’s final acts serve as a reminder of the polarized environment that has defined much of the past few years in American politics.

As Biden hands over the reins of power to Trump, it remains to be seen how the new president and his team will address the question of political prosecutions and whether they will follow through on Trump’s campaign promises.