Outgoing President Joe Biden has signed a series of pre-emptive pardons for key political figures who have clashed with Donald Trump, sparking a heated debate over the state of American democracy.

These pardons, which include members of the January 6th Committee, General Mark Milley, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, have drawn attention for their potential to safeguard individuals from what many perceive as the incoming retribution from a likely second Trump administration.

On his final day in office, Biden signed pardons for individuals who were seen as political adversaries of former President Trump.

Among the recipients are Liz Cheney, the former Republican Representative from Wyoming who became a vocal critic of Trump during the January 6th insurrection investigation, and General Mark Milley, who publicly condemned Trump’s actions in office.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top immunologist, and several law enforcement officers who testified before the January 6th Committee also received pardons.

The issuance of these pardons is widely viewed as a preventive measure against any potential retaliatory actions from Trump, who has openly declared his intent for “retribution” during his potential second term.

Biden’s office was clear that these pardons were not an admission of guilt by the individuals involved, nor an acknowledgment of any criminal wrongdoing.

“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgement that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing,” said Biden in a statement accompanying the pardons. “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”

This unprecedented step from Biden comes amid growing fears that Trump, if re-elected, could seek to exact vengeance on his critics, particularly those involved in the investigation of the January 6th Capitol riot, which Trump was accused of inciting.

The pardons serve as a form of protection against potential future prosecutions or actions from the Trump administration.

It is not the first time a U.S. president has issued pardons for political allies or enemies, but Biden’s actions signal an increasing concern about the erosion of democratic norms in the face of Trump’s rising political influence.

Trump, on his part, has repeatedly stated that he would consider legal retribution against those he believes have wronged him, including members of the FBI, lawmakers, and others associated with the January 6th investigation.

In a statement made earlier, Trump referred to Milley as a traitor and questioned whether he should face execution for his role in speaking with China during the Capitol riot.