Who did Biden pardon?

Dr Anthony Fauci, retired Gen Mark Milley and members of the House committee, who are involved in investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, have been pardoned by US President Joe Biden.

This has been considered an extraordinary use of the powers of the presidency in his final hours to guard against potential “revenge” by the upcoming administration of the next president Donald Trump.

As Trump warned of an enemies list, Biden took the decision. The list is for those who have sought to hold him accountable for his attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss and his role in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Trump has chosen Cabinet nominees who are committed to punishing those involved in investigations of his election lies.

Biden said in a statement that the issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgement.

There is no admission of guilt for any offence committed by any individual if acceptance is not misconstrued as a confession.

Biden said the US nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to the country.

Pardons have been the subject of heated debate at the highest levels of the White House for months.

Meanwhile, Trump takes office at noon and has promised to grant swift clemency to many of those involved in the violent and bloody January 6, 2021.