In his final hours in the White House, Joe Biden issued a series of high-profile pardons on Monday, shielding Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and other individuals who were speculated to face investigations under the incoming Trump administration.

The pardons were announced as Biden prepared to leave the White House, with President-elect Donald Trump set to be sworn in for his second term.

The sweeping order also extends to individuals connected to the January 6 select committee investigation.

According to the official announcement, the pardon covers “members of Congress and staff who served on the Select Committee, and the U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee.”

However, the order notably excludes Special Counsel Jack Smith, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland.

These individuals, who have been the focus of speculation regarding potential accountability under the Trump administration, are not protected by Biden’s final executive action.

The decision to issue these pardons on his last day in office has sparked heated debate among political commentators and the general public. Some see it as a necessary move to protect those who have been targeted unfairly, while others view it as a blatant attempt to shield his allies from facing consequences for their actions.

One of the most controversial aspects of Biden’s pardons is the inclusion of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. Fauci has been a key figure in the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and his inclusion in the pardons has raised questions about the motivations behind Biden’s decision.

Retired Gen. Mark Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Biden’s administration, is another high-profile figure who has been granted a pardon. Milley’s role in the military and his actions during the tumultuous final days of Biden’s presidency have made him a target for criticism from Trump supporters.

The exclusion of key figures like Jack Smith, Christopher Wray, and Merrick Garland from the pardons has also raised eyebrows. These individuals have been at the center of several high-profile investigations and controversies during Biden’s presidency, and their omission from the list of pardons has led some to question Biden’s motives.

As Trump takes office for his second term, the impact of Biden’s last-minute pardons remains to be seen. Will these pardons protect those who have been targeted unfairly, or will they be seen as a desperate attempt to shield Biden’s allies from accountability? Only time will tell.