With just hours left in office, President Joe Biden has issued a preemptive pardon for Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert. For nearly four decades, Fauci directed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He advised seven presidents, beginning with Ronald Reagan and, among his many accomplishments, played a crucial role in the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Fauci was a leading architect of PEPFAR, the global AIDS response program begun by President George W. Bush that is estimated to have saved 25 million lives. Fauci served as Biden's medical advisor until his retirement at the end of 2022. "For more than half a century, Dr. Fauci served our country," Biden said in a statement released this morning. "He saved countless lives by managing the government’s response to pressing health crises, including HIV/AIDS, as well as the Ebola and Zika viruses. During his tenure as my Chief Medical Advisor, he helped the country tackle a once-in-a-century pandemic. The United States is safer and healthier because of him." But, while Fauci was once considered "America's doctor," and a trusted face of public health responses, he became vilified for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which deeply divided the country. Though he has been charged with no crime, he has continued to face threats of investigations and charges, particularly from the political right. For instance, Elon Musk, who incoming-President Trump has tapped for unofficial federal government positions, has posted several times on social media "My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci.” Since retiring, Fauci has been under federal protection due to death threats on his life and the life of his family. In issuing the pardon, Biden emphasized that Fauci is not guilty of any wrongdoing. He justified the uncommon pardon by arguing that it is, essentially, a good-conscience effort to protect from a political witch hunt. "I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing," Biden said. "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 in fact have done the right thing—and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances." In addition to Fauci, Biden also granted pardons to General Mark Milley, the Members of Congress and staff who served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, and the US Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee. "The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense," Biden said. "Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country."