Trump Respects Biden’s Pardon of Anthony Fauci

Donald Trump stated on July 29, 2026, that he respects President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Anthony Fauci. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the power of pardon as the most powerful tool a president possesses, according to a report by TheWrap.

The comments followed a Senate hearing in which Dr. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times. During the Oval Office session, Trump addressed questions regarding Biden’s use of an autopen for orders related to Fauci’s COVID-19 pandemic response plans.

Trump acknowledged the legal weight of the action, stating, the most powerful thing the president has, they say, is the power of pardon. So, he was pardoned by Biden and I respect that. I know how powerful it is, according to TheWrap. He added that it is literally the most powerful thing a president has.

Trump’s Analysis of the Autopen and Pardon Process

While expressing respect for the pardon, Trump raised questions about the administrative process involving the autopen. He noted that he could not speak to the specific law but mentioned his understanding that pardons typically require substantial proof and supporting letters.

Trump suggested that the person operating the autopen must have a full understanding of the order. According to TheWrap, Trump stated, He didn’t not know what it was about because I saw him testify. So, maybe there’s something on the autopen.

Context of Trump’s Pardon Record

The statement comes amid ongoing public scrutiny regarding Trump’s own use of executive clemency. Across two terms, Trump issued more than 1,700 pardons. This includes approximately 1,500 individuals who were involved in the riots at the Capitol Building on January 6, according to TheWrap.

These specific pardons for January 6 defendants sparked criticism from political commentators. Rachel Maddow of MS NOW argued that by releasing these defendants, including paramilitaries, Trump was effectively immunizing his followers from the consequences of committing violence in his name.

He’s making clear, you know, if you support me, the law doesn’t apply to you. Not incidentally, the people he’s pardoning and their families will feel like they owe Trump everything, and that they therefore should, and now can, do absolutely anything for him. Rachel Maddow, MS NOW