Former President Joe Biden issued clemency to a specific group of individuals through a series of last-minute pardons intended to protect allies from possible repercussions by President Donald Trump; however, this action presents challenges for those receiving it.
Former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming and co-chair of the Jan. 6 Committee, Liz Cheney, along with Dr. Anthony Fauci, were included among the few individuals granted pardons.
This action, according to aides of President Biden, was aimed at preventing potential retaliatory measures from Trump or his administration. Nevertheless, legal experts quickly noted that these pardons do not exempt either individual from the obligation to testify under oath if they are subpoenaed.
Federal litigation attorney Jesse Binnall emphasized that Biden’s pardons do not protect Cheney and Fauci from repercussions if they provide false testimony under oath, particularly if they are summoned by the GOP-controlled Congress.
He remarked that the pardons could be considered “favorable news” for those advocating for the prosecution of the two.
The pardons represent a significant development. Individuals who have received pardons will not have the right to decline to testify in civil, criminal, or congressional proceedings on the grounds of the 5th Amendment,” Binnall stated on X, before revealing another critical point.
“Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the reality. Many of these reprehensible individuals would likely face charges in Washington, DC, where convictions against partisan leftists are rare,” Binnall, who previously served as an attorney for President Donald Trump, remarked.
In a recent interview on Fox News, Trump expressed to host Rachel Campos-Duffy that he is unable to pursue individuals involved in the January 6 investigation due to the pardons issued by Biden.
He criticized the committee, referring to its members as ‘political thugs’ and specifically denouncing Democrats along with Republicans Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, whom he labeled as among the worst in history.
Trump asserted that the committee, which operated for a year and a half, ultimately destroyed all evidence that would have favored his position. He pointed out that Nancy Pelosi was accountable for security arrangements, a fact she acknowledged in a recording made by her daughter, who is a videographer.
Trump claimed that Pelosi admitted her responsibility and accused the committee of destroying evidence before Biden granted pardons to those involved, including members of Congress.
Trump remarked, ‘These individuals are members of Congress, though not esteemed ones. They hold positions in Congress. If such actions were taken in a civil context, consider this: they have burned, deleted, and obliterated every document after a year and a half. This is akin to the individual who claimed, ‘I attempted to seize a substantial Secret Service agent by the neck, but was met with resistance. Subsequently, I approached another agent, who appeared to be quite formidable. Friends of mine advised, ‘never change; it’s impressive.’ I responded, ‘I merely seek the truth.’
They toiled for a year and a half, causing significant distress to everyone involved. They came to the realization of their culpability, much like those covert operatives and intelligence agents who provided their testimonies with utmost sincerity.
Unfortunately, their circumstances were dire. Instead of revealing their own misdeeds, they perpetrated further criminal acts, executing them with remarkable skill. Imagine if I were to erase and obliterate all pertinent documents.
This situation pertains to a significant hearing that should never have proceeded. Consequently, we find ourselves unable to pursue action against them due to their pardons. Trump expressed his concerns, stating, ‘We are contending with highly corrupt individuals. Our government is rife with corruption.’
