Biden Issues Backdated Pardon for Fauci Covering Pre-COVID Research

The sweeping clemency shields Fauci from potential legal scrutiny tied to gain-of-function research and the COVID-19 pandemic's origins.

President Biden granted a preemptive pardon to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retroactive to January 1, 2014, before leaving office.
The pardon covers Fauci's involvement in U.S.-funded research, including controversial gain-of-function studies, and his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics argue the backdated pardon raises questions about Fauci's past actions and Biden's motivations, particularly regarding the pandemic's origins.
Fauci has consistently denied allegations of funding gain-of-function research or misleading Congress about the potential lab origins of COVID-19.
The clemency has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who claim it undermines transparency and accountability in pandemic-related investigations.