In his final hours in office, Joe Biden issued a series of pardons, including for Dr. Anthony Fauci and retired Gen. Mark Milley, shielding them from potential investigations under the incoming Trump administration. The pardons also covered members of Congress, staff from the January 6th select committee, and police officers who testified in the investigation. However, key figures like Special Counsel Jack Smith, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland were excluded, leaving them vulnerable to future scrutiny under Trump. The pardons sparked backlash from Republicans, who criticized Biden’s actions as an abuse of presidential power. As Biden exits, these decisions are expected to fuel ongoing debates about accountability, executive power, and his presidential legacy.