BREAKING: Joe Biden pardons Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, Liz Cheney, and others

The unprecedented action, seen by many as a defensive measure against potential "revenge" from the Trump administration, aims to protect these individuals from any legal action.

Among those receiving pardons are several former lawmakers and committee staffers who played pivotal roles in investigating J6, including former Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both of whom served as Republican members of the committee. Biden also extended clemency to US Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police officers who testified during the hearings, acknowledging their courageous efforts in the aftermath of the January 6 events.

“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's statement read. “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”

Biden claimed in the statement that he believes "in the rule of law," adding that he is "optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics." He then justified the pardons, saying, "But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety and financial security of targeted individuals and their families."

AP reports that sources close to the administration indicated that the pardons are a direct response to concerns about retaliation by Trump.

The pardons come after Biden made a sweeping pardon for his son Hunter, which even made some Democrats raise eyebrows. The pardon for Hunter extended back until 2014, when he was appointed to the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Many did not agree with the pardons Biden offered, saying that they would set a poor precedent.

Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), even disagreed with Biden giving the pardons on his way out the door to those in his administration, per the New York Times, “It would be the wrong precedent to set. I don’t want to see each president hereafter on their way out the door giving a broad category of pardons to members of their administration."

As Biden prepares to hand over the reins of power, these pardons mark a controversial end to his presidency.