Quotes
Whatever happens to my family, know this: No pardons were offered or discussed. I cannot begin to describe the level of betrayal and hurt I feel,
Vindman posted on Bluesky
Innocent people are being pardoned in the morning, and guilty people are being pardoned in the afternoon,
the Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin, and a member of the January 6 committee, told the New York TimesLet me be perfectly clear: I have committed no crime and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me,
he addedThis is unprecedented and looks incredibly corrupt. His legacy is in tatters.”
Journalist Steven Edginton said
If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Biden's pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee I will not rest until the entire truth of the cover-up is exposed."
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul posted on XMy family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end."
In Monday's press release, Biden said
That is why I am exercising my power under the Constitution to pardon James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden,
Biden saidWell, it concerns me in terms of what kind of precedent it sets and how the rest of the world looks at us as a nation of laws and justice,
Biden said in a CNN interview shortly after winning the 2020 election
The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,
Biden said in a statement
I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances,
Biden said in a statement