OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
President Donald Trump has removed the taxpayer-funded security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading health official during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci had received threats, leading the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to request security for him in 2020, according to Fox News.
Before this, Trump had also revoked the security clearances of 51 intelligence officials who falsely claimed that Hunter Biden’s laptop had “all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation.” These officials had also provided false information to former CIA Director Mike Pompeo and former National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Fauci’s name has appeared in the news several times since Trump took office. In a last-minute series of pardons, President Joe Biden granted clemency to a select group of people, including Fauci and former Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney. However, legal experts pointed out that pardons don’t prevent them from having to testify under oath if subpoenaed.
Federal attorney Jesse Binnall noted that the pardons don’t protect Cheney and Fauci if they lie under oath. He pointed out that it’s “great news” for anyone hoping to see them prosecuted. Others argued that testimony should happen outside Washington DC, due to bias in the area.
Trump responded to Biden’s pardons, specifically calling out Cheney, saying, “Liz Cheney is a disaster. She’s a crying lunatic.” He criticized Biden’s actions, particularly pardoning individuals like General Mark Milley, who had criticized Trump during his first term.
Lastly, former Arizona state legislator Josh Barnett explained that presidential pardons don’t cover all crimes, especially if they occur after the pardon. He mentioned Milley’s actions, which may not be covered by his pardon if proven to be treason.
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