Fauci, Cheney, Milley Receive Biden Pardons

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 21, 2025

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Fauci, Cheney, and Milley Receive Hypothetical Biden Pardons: A Constitutional and Political Analysis

Introduction:

This article explores a hypothetical scenario where President Biden pardons Anthony Fauci, Liz Cheney, and Mark Milley. It analyzes the constitutional basis for such pardons, the political ramifications, and potential public reactions. It's crucial to understand that this is a hypothetical exercise; as of the writing of this article, no such pardons have been issued.

Understanding Presidential Pardons

The power of the President to grant pardons is enshrined in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. This clause states that the President "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." This broad power allows the President to forgive federal crimes, including both felonies and misdemeanors. A pardon effectively wipes the slate clean, eliminating any criminal consequences and preventing future prosecution for the pardoned offense.

Limitations on Presidential Pardons

While expansive, the pardon power is not absolute. The President cannot pardon someone for state crimes, only federal ones. Furthermore, a pardon cannot be granted before a conviction, and it does not erase the underlying facts of the case. A pardoned individual may still face civil lawsuits or other non-criminal consequences. Importantly, a pardon can be seen as an admission of guilt, even if not explicitly stated.

Hypothetical Pardons: Fauci, Cheney, and Milley

Let's consider the hypothetical pardons of Anthony Fauci, Liz Cheney, and Mark Milley. Each individual has faced significant political scrutiny and accusations, albeit often unsubstantiated. Their inclusion in a hypothetical presidential pardon scenario highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding such a powerful executive power.

Anthony Fauci

Dr. Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, faced intense criticism regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accusations ranged from misleading the public to conflicts of interest. A hypothetical pardon could be interpreted by some as vindicating his actions, while others might see it as a political move to shield him from potential future investigations.

Liz Cheney

Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent Republican, became a vocal critic of former President Trump, leading to her removal from party leadership. While not facing federal criminal charges, her outspoken dissent and subsequent political fallout could be seen as a motivation for a hypothetical pardon, potentially framed as protecting her against potential future retaliatory actions.

Mark Milley

General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has faced scrutiny for his role in advising the Trump administration during the final months of Trump's presidency. A hypothetical pardon for General Milley could be interpreted differently depending on the context and the nature of any alleged offenses.

Political Ramifications of Hypothetical Pardons

The political consequences of such hypothetical pardons would be substantial. Supporters of the President might view it as an act of courage, protecting individuals who were unfairly targeted. Critics, however, might decry it as an abuse of power, shielding allies from accountability. Public opinion would likely be sharply divided, potentially exacerbating existing political polarization. The impact on the next election cycle could also be significant, influencing voter turnout and campaign strategies.

Conclusion: Navigating Constitutional Authority and Political Realities

The hypothetical pardons of Fauci, Cheney, and Milley underscore the delicate balance between the President's constitutional authority and the political realities of exercising such power. While the President possesses a broad power to grant pardons, the decision to utilize it is inherently political, carrying both significant potential benefits and risks. The public's perception of the motives and justifications behind any such decision would be paramount in shaping the overall impact. The discussion of hypothetical scenarios like this helps clarify the complexities and potential implications of presidential pardons in the American political landscape.