President Joe Biden issued historic preemptive pardons for former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, House Jan. 6 committee members, and others on Monday, granting them broad immunity just hours before President-elect Trump’s White House return.

Biden stunned many when he issued the blanket pardons before Trump’s swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on Monday

Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, 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, including General Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, and the members and staff of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” he added.