In a bid to protect certain individuals from potential reprisals by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden issued last-minute pardons, including to figures like Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. These pardons aim to thwart any politically motivated investigations by the incoming administration. However,
legal experts argue that these pardons do not shield recipients from testifying under oath in congressional hearings, where they may still face scrutiny. Notably, Republican lawmakers, like Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer, could subpoena those pardoned individuals, such as Cheney and Fauci, to testify about their actions, potentially leading to further legal consequences. While Biden cited the rule of law in granting pardons, some, like former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, warn that accepting a pardon could harm public perception, implying guilt.
