Biden Pardons Jan. 6 Committee Members, Schiff Calls Decision Unwise

In a controversial move just before leaving office, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to members of the House Jan. 6 committee, including Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Pete Aguilar. Schiff publicly stated that the pardons were 'unnecessary' and 'unwise,' acknowledging the precedent it sets, but understood Biden's motivations amid threats from Donald Trump and his nominees. The pardons provide full protection against any charges linked to the committee’s work, which investigated the Capitol attack. Biden emphasized that these individuals were targeted for upholding democracy, not for any wrongdoing. Schiff had previously voiced concerns about the implications of presidential pardons and had urged Biden not to issue such pardons. The pardons come as part of a broader strategy by Biden to shield committee members from potential retaliation from a future Trump administration.