In a bold move on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration, U.S. President Joe Biden granted pre-emptive pardons to several prominent figures, including former Covid-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci and retired general Mark Milley, shielding them from possible politically motivated prosecutions under the incoming Trump administration.

The pardons extended to Fauci and Milley were issued as a safeguard against retribution from Trump, who has previously threatened criminal prosecution against political opponents. Fauci, who became a target of right-wing criticism during the Covid pandemic, was often at odds with Trump over public health measures. Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came under fire from Trump after publicly criticizing the former president and making secret calls to China during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.

In an extraordinary move in his final hours in office, Biden also granted pardons to members, staff, and witnesses of the U.S. House committee investigating the January 6th attack. Biden explained that these individuals "served our nation with honor and distinction" and should not face unjust and politically driven legal challenges.

“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing,” Biden stated.

Trump, set to be sworn in as president on Monday, has long promised retribution against those who oppose him. His actions and threats have raised concerns among his critics about a possible wave of retaliatory prosecutions.

Fauci, despite facing backlash from right-wing figures, thanked Biden for the pardon but maintained he had committed no crime. Milley also expressed gratitude, emphasizing he wished to avoid further conflicts.

Biden's sweeping clemency actions include several high-profile pardons, as well as the commutation of nearly 2,500 sentences in his final days in office. Among the most controversial was his pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, though the president stressed that his pardons should not be misconstrued as admissions of guilt.

As Trump faces further investigations and legal challenges, Biden’s final acts of clemency have sparked intense political debate, with figures like former congresswoman Liz Cheney and Adam Schiff expressing concerns over such pre-emptive actions.