Journalist Matt Taibbi recently discussed on Tucker Carlson’s podcast how President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons for figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Rep. Liz Cheney might backfire. Taibbi explained that these pardons could potentially make it easier for investigations to proceed, as pardons do not allow recipients to invoke the Fifth Amendment, meaning they must testify in grand jury or congressional proceedings. Legal experts Taibbi spoke to indicated that pardoning individuals likely involved in criminal activity raises suspicions, as it would only make sense if serious crimes were involved. Taibbi described the pardons as a “red flag,” suggesting that they might unintentionally open up further scrutiny.

Federal litigation attorney Jesse Binnall added that the pardons wouldn’t protect recipients from legal consequences if they lie under oath during testimonies. He argued that these pardons might actually be beneficial for those seeking prosecution, as they remove the possibility of pleading the Fifth. Some suggested that, due to potential bias in Washington, D.C., depositions and testimony should take place elsewhere. The pardons also included figures like Gen. Mark Milley and members of the January 6th Committee, sparking criticism from former President Trump, who questioned the logic behind pardoning such individuals, especially Cheney, whom he strongly criticized.