Biden's controversial pardons as Trump threatens retribution

Joe Biden issued the pardons following public declarations by Donald Trump about creating an "enemies list," which would include political opponents of the future president and those responsible for investigations against him.

Among those pardoned was Dr. Anthony Fauci, former medical advisor to President Biden and longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who played a crucial role in directing the U.S. response during the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic-related restrictions implemented under his recommendations were critically assessed by the American right.

Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed views such as calling Trump a "fascist to the core". The president-elect accused the military officer of treason due to Milley's conversation with his Chinese counterpart. The general reportedly assured him during the turmoil surrounding the 2020 presidential elections that Washington did not intend to attack Beijing.

Biden's decision is seen as an unprecedented move aimed at protecting key officials and politicians amid the transition of power in the U.S.. The outgoing president similarly pardoned his own son, shielding him not only from the charges against him but also from other crimes he may have committed over the past decade.

During the campaign, Trump repeatedly suggested "holding accountable" those who, in his opinion, "weaponized justice." Particularly enthusiastic about retribution and dealing with the "deep state" is Kash Patel, whom Trump selected as the future head of the FBI, and who wrote a series of children's books on the subject and promised to "go after" journalists conspiring against Trump.