News

Biden issues last-minute pardons for family and allies

Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for family, Fauci, Milley; aims to prevent politically motivated prosecutions before Trump’s inauguration.

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2025

ticker NEWS

Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for family, Fauci, Milley; aims to prevent politically motivated prosecutions before Trump’s inauguration.

Joe Biden has granted pardons to his entire family, Dr Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 Committee. This decision was made shortly before leaving the White House.

Biden stated that the pardons were meant to protect them from politically motivated prosecutions anticipated under the Trump administration.

BREAKING: Biden has pardoned his family https://t.co/z5aF5hokY5 pic.twitter.com/ExnaTzCJtl

— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) January 20, 2025

Reactions on social media expressed discontent. Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya mentioned that those pardoned represented the so-called Deep State.

Republican Senator Eric Schmitt condemned Biden’s actions, arguing he undermined constitutional norms and would be remembered unfavourably in history.

Journalist Glenn Greenwald characterised Biden’s pardons as indicative of a broader political realignment within the Democratic Party.

In his statement, Biden expressed a belief in the rule of law but recognised exceptional circumstances, stating that the individuals pardoned had served honourably and should not face unjust prosecution.

Minutes before Donald Trump’s inauguration, Biden also pardoned family members, including his brother James and sister Valerie.

This “full and unconditional” pardon covered any nonviolent offences dating back to 2014.

Commentators noted that the pardons aimed to shield Biden’s family, particularly James, from scrutiny due to ongoing investigations by his own Justice Department.

These investigations relate to James Biden’s dealings with the now-bankrupt Americore, although he has not been formally accused of crimes.

News

Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

5 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

5 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion