Trump Blasts Biden’s Last-Minute Pardons, Calls Liz Cheney a “Disaster”

Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and other members of the January 6 Committee on Monday following a wave of last-minute pardons issued by President Joe Biden before leaving office.

While signing a series of executive orders from the Oval Office, President Trump addressed reporters and was asked about his recent pardons of individuals involved in the events of January 6, 2021. Trump stated he had already taken meaningful action.

“I was going to talk about the J6 hostages, but you’ll be happy because, you know, it’s action, not words that count—and you’re going to see a lot of action on the J6 hostages,” Trump said.

He also directed strong criticism toward Biden’s decision to pardon high-profile figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House January 6 Select Committee, including Liz Cheney.

“Why are we doing this? Why are we trying to help a guy like Milley? Why are we helping Liz Cheney?” Trump asked. “Liz Cheney is a disaster. She’s a crying lunatic—crying, crying.”

Biden’s Controversial Pardons Draw GOP Backlash

President Biden’s pardons, issued just hours before leaving office, have sparked outrage among Republican lawmakers. Critics argue the pardons are an implicit admission of wrongdoing and an effort to shield political allies from future legal consequences.

“Proves they know she’s guilty,” said Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN), referencing Cheney, a former GOP lawmaker who was a prominent figure in the January 6 Committee.

“Biden’s last-minute pardons of the January 6th sham committee members will forever stain his legacy,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC). “This is the latest example of corruption, pay-to-play politics, and the total sellout of American principles.”

Other GOP lawmakers, such as Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who led a counter-investigation into the January 6 Committee, called the pardons a “direct result” of findings from their probe.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) echoed similar criticism, describing the conduct of the individuals pardoned as “unlawful, deceitful, and corrupt.”

Biden Defends Pardons in Lengthy Statement

President Biden issued a detailed statement defending the pardons, citing concerns over politically motivated investigations and threats against public servants.

“Public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties,” Biden wrote. “In certain cases, some have even been threatened with criminal prosecutions.”

He singled out General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the January 6 Committee, praising their service and calling the criminal threats against them unjustified.

“These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden added.

Highlights from Biden’s Statement:

• Gen. Mark Milley: Recognized for over 40 years of military service and leadership as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

• Dr. Anthony Fauci: Credited with guiding U.S. responses to public health crises including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19.

• Jan. 6 Committee: Commended for conducting a bipartisan investigation into the Capitol attack with “integrity and a commitment to discovering the truth.”

Biden emphasized that investigations into these officials have been baseless and that the personal and financial toll they’ve faced warranted federal clemency.

“Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals,” Biden wrote. “Even when individuals have done nothing wrong, the mere fact of being investigated can irreparably damage reputations and finances.”

A Legacy-Defining Moment?

As the dust settles from a dramatic and highly politicized use of presidential pardon powers, both Trump and Biden are staking major claims on legacy-defining issues: Trump by positioning himself as a defender of January 6 defendants, and Biden by protecting those who investigated the incident.

With both figures central to the nation’s future political trajectory, the clash underscores growing partisan divides over accountability, justice, and the rule of law in America.