Fact Check: Did Biden Pardon Fauci and Milley?

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Written By Victor Mullen

This claim has been circulating online: President Biden secretly pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, the January 6th Committee, and various police officers. Is there any truth to it? No.

Debunking the Pardon Rumors

The rumor alleges that President Biden issued preemptive pardons to shield these individuals from potential legal action under a future Trump administration. However, no credible evidence supports this claim. The rumor hinges on a supposed Associated Press article, which does not exist. Searches of the AP News website and other reputable news outlets yield no reports confirming these pardons. An event of this magnitude would undoubtedly generate widespread media coverage. The absence of such coverage strongly suggests the claim is false.

Tracing the Rumor’s Origins

Pinpointing the precise origin of online rumors is challenging. However, the lack of credible news reports suggests this claim likely originated and spread through less trustworthy channels—possibly social media, blogs, or websites known for disseminating misinformation.

Why This Rumor Spreads

The rumor’s rapid spread likely stems from its exploitation of existing political divisions and anxieties. It aligns with some individuals’ distrust of government and reinforces pre-existing beliefs, making them more susceptible to accepting the misinformation. The claim resonates with certain political viewpoints, making it more likely to be shared within those echo chambers.

Separating Fact from Fiction

This situation underscores the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. When evaluating information, consider:

  • Source: Is it reputable and known for accuracy?
  • Corroboration: Do other trusted sources report the same information?
  • Plausibility: Does the claim seem too good (or too bad) to be true?
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If doubts linger, investigate further. Consult fact-checking websites like Snopes or PolitiFact.

The Importance of Evidence (or Lack Thereof)

The rumor’s narrative falls apart under scrutiny due to the complete absence of evidence. Former President Trump’s public pronouncements about pursuing those supposedly pardoned lack specific details or supporting documentation. The hypothetical rationale behind the alleged pardons – protecting individuals from politically motivated prosecutions – remains speculative. Critically, no official statements, press releases, or government documents corroborate the pardons. This absence of official confirmation is not merely a lack of evidence; it’s evidence of absence, further reinforcing the claim’s likely falsehood.

ElementDescriptionEvidence Status
Preemptive PardonsBiden issuing pardons to shield individuals from potential future prosecutions.Unconfirmed
Trump’s AllegationsTrump’s statements about pursuing legal action against those supposedly pardoned.Unsubstantiated
Biden’s MotivationProtecting individuals from potentially baseless, politically motivated investigations.Hypothetical
Official RecordOfficial confirmation from the White House or government sources.None

How Misinformation Spreads

The “Biden pardon” rumor exemplifies how misinformation proliferates in the digital age. Likely originating from obscure online sources, the rumor gained traction through social media shares and repetition within echo chambers, where dissenting views are often suppressed. This amplification within like-minded groups creates a distorted perception of reality, making it seem as though the rumor is widely accepted.

The following table illustrates the varying reliability of information sources:

SourceReliabilityNotes
Mainstream NewsHighReputable news organizations with editorial standards and fact-checking processes.
Social MediaLowProne to rapid, unverified information sharing. Requires careful scrutiny.
BlogsMediumQuality varies; look for evidence-based arguments and author credentials.
Official Govt.HighDirect information from government sources, generally reliable.
Forums/CommentsLowMostly opinion-based and unverified.
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Combating misinformation requires skepticism, cross-referencing information with reliable sources, and consulting fact-checking organizations. The evolving nature of online information and the ongoing research into misinformation highlight the need for continuous learning and critical thinking.

Conclusion

The claim that President Biden pardoned Dr. Fauci, General Milley, and others is false. It’s a fabricated narrative circulating in the online ecosystem. This fact check demonstrates the importance of verifying information, especially in an era of rampant misinformation. While the motivations behind such rumors remain unclear, their potential impact on public trust and political discourse is significant. By practicing media literacy and critical thinking, we can all contribute to a more informed and responsible online environment. The evidence suggests that these pardons never occurred. Being media literate and thinking critically is more important than ever in our current information landscape.

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