Staff Reports
Biden Pardoning Fauci? A Disaster for Trust in Science and Justice
The idea that President Joe Biden might issue a preemptive pardon for Dr. Anthony Fauci has been swirling in political circles, and it’s hard to believe we’ve reached this point. But given Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter, and rumors of similar clemency for other political allies, the possibility of a Fauci pardon can’t be ignored.
Let’s be clear: pardoning Fauci would be a terrible idea—for Biden, for Fauci, and for the American people. Here’s why.
A Pardon Implies Guilt
Dr. Anthony Fauci has been a polarizing figure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To some, he’s a public health hero; to others, he’s the face of government overreach and conflicting guidance. Regardless of where you stand, a preemptive pardon for Fauci would send a loud and unmistakable message: that there’s something to pardon him for.
Whether it’s the allegations surrounding gain-of-function research funding, questionable guidance during the pandemic, or potential missteps in managing vaccine distribution, a pardon would imply that Fauci has something to hide. That perception alone would undermine whatever credibility he has left and confirm the suspicions of millions of Americans who already view him with distrust.
The Science Needs Accountability
Throughout the pandemic, “trust the science” became a rallying cry, but many Americans felt the science was cherry-picked or politicized. From masking policies that shifted repeatedly to vaccine mandates that sparked widespread resistance, Fauci’s leadership often left the public confused and frustrated.
If Fauci truly believes he acted in the best interest of public health, he should welcome the opportunity to defend his decisions in the court of public opinion—or, if necessary, in a legal setting. A pardon would rob Americans of the chance to see accountability in action and deepen the cynicism that already plagues trust in public health institutions.
A Political Lightning Rod
For Biden, a Fauci pardon would be a political disaster. Fauci’s reputation is already a lightning rod, with critics on the right blaming him for everything from lockdowns to misinformation about the origins of COVID-19. Pardoning him preemptively would be seen as a blatant attempt to protect a political ally and would only add fuel to accusations that Biden is abusing his power to shield his inner circle.
Furthermore, it would undermine Biden’s stated goal of restoring faith in government institutions. Pardoning a divisive figure like Fauci would only deepen the polarization and erode trust in the presidency itself.
The Rule of Law Matters
The presidential pardon is a powerful tool, but it’s not meant to serve as a political escape hatch. By considering a pardon for Fauci, Biden would be subverting the principle that no one is above the law.
If Fauci’s actions truly warrant legal scrutiny, the justice system should handle it. A pardon would short-circuit that process, creating the impression that Fauci is being shielded from consequences simply because of his proximity to power. That’s the kind of swampy behavior Americans are sick of seeing from their leaders.
A Bad Precedent for the Future
What message would a Fauci pardon send to future public officials? That they can make controversial decisions, face no scrutiny, and be bailed out by political allies? Such a precedent would further erode public trust in government and create a culture of impunity among the ruling class.
The Bottom Line
Biden pardoning Fauci would be a colossal mistake. It would tarnish the credibility of the public health community, cast doubt on Fauci’s legacy, and reinforce the perception that the powerful play by a different set of rules.
If Biden wants to do right by the American people, he should let the justice system run its course. No preemptive pardons. No political favors. Just accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. That’s what America deserves.
