President Joe Biden gave mercy to a limited group of persons in a round of last-minute pardons with the intention of protecting allies from the possibility of retaliation by President-elect Donald Trump. However, the action does not come without consequences for the individuals who were given clemency.
Liz Cheney, a former Wyoming Republican congressman and the co-chair of the Jan. 6 Committee, and Dr. Anthony Fauci were among the few individuals who were granted a pardon. According to Biden’s advisers, this gesture was made with the intention of preventing acts of retribution by either Trump or his future administration.
Legal professionals, on the other hand, were quick to point out that the pardons would not relieve either individual from the requirement that they answer under oath in the event that they were under subpoena.
In the event that the Republican-controlled Congress decides to subpoena Cheney Fauci to appear, federal litigation attorney Jesse Binnall reminded out that Biden’s pardons do not protect them from the repercussions that could arise if they lie under oath. The pardons, in his opinion, might be “great news” for everyone who is interested in seeing the two individuals brought to justice.