What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Pre-Inauguration Update: January 20, 2025
Editor’s note: I know that I had said the January 19th edition of “What Did Joe Biden Do Today?” was the last posting under that title, but in light of so many last-minute actions on behalf of President Biden this morning, I felt it deserved its own post. The first edition of “What Did Donald Trump Do Today?” will be published sometime this evening, Pacific Standard Time.
President Biden announced a historic ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, marking the end of more than 15 months of intense conflict. The agreement, structured in three phases, begins with a six-week ceasefire. During this phase, Israel will withdraw from Gaza’s populated areas, and hostages, including Americans, will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid will also flow into Gaza, allowing innocent civilians to access vital supplies and return to their neighborhoods. In the second phase, negotiations will aim to achieve a permanent end to the war and facilitate further prisoner exchanges. The third and final phase will see the return of remains of deceased hostages and the commencement of a major reconstruction effort for Gaza.
The President acknowledged the challenges of reaching this agreement, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. diplomatic and military efforts in pressuring Hamas. He highlighted the weakening of Hamas and its backers, including Iran and Hezbollah, as pivotal to creating conditions for the deal. The President also noted the broader regional implications, with opportunities for peace in Lebanon and Syria and the integration of Israel with Arab neighbors, including Saudi Arabia. He reiterated his administration's vision for a future that includes Palestinian statehood and economic cooperation across the Middle East.
President Biden stressed that his administration proposed the ceasefire framework in May and that global leaders embraced it. He praised the efforts of American diplomats and allies who worked tirelessly to secure this agreement. While the incoming administration will implement much of the deal, the President expressed confidence in its success and the potential for a brighter future in the region. He concluded by expressing hope for peace, acknowledging the pain and resilience of those affected by the conflict, and affirming America’s leadership in achieving this breakthrough.
President Biden released a statement emphasizing the critical role of public servants in sustaining democracy and condemned the threats, intimidation, and politically motivated investigations targeting individuals who have faithfully served the nation. He specifically highlighted:
General Mark A. Milley: Recognized for over 40 years of military service, including his leadership as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during complex global challenges.
Dr. Anthony Fauci: Acknowledged for over five decades of public health service, including his leadership in addressing major health crises such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19.
The January 6 Select Committee: Praised for investigating the Capitol insurrection with integrity and resisting efforts to rewrite history or undermine accountability.
Biden criticized baseless investigations as damaging to individuals' reputations, safety, and financial security, even when they are ultimately exonerated. To protect these public servants from unjustified legal actions, he announced pardons for Milley, Fauci, members and staff of the January 6 Select Committee, and police officers who testified before the Committee. He clarified that these pardons are not admissions of wrongdoing but acts of gratitude for their service to the nation.
President Biden expressed deep sorrow over Cecile Richards's passing, highlighting her fearless leadership in championing civil rights, workers' dignity, women's reproductive rights, and voter mobilization. He praised her as a leader of great character who carried on her mother's legacy of justice. President Biden conveyed his condolences to her family, including her husband, Kirk; her children, Daniel, Hannah, and Lily; and her grandson, Teddy.
On his final day as president, Joe Biden issued blanket pardons to his siblings and their spouses. Biden stated the pardons were meant to protect against politically motivated retribution, particularly from incoming President Donald Trump, and emphasized that they should not be interpreted as admissions of guilt. None of the pardoned individuals have been charged with crimes, though some, like his brother James, were subjects of Republican-led investigations. Biden criticized the partisan nature of these attacks and expressed concern they would persist. This act follows historical precedent, as past presidents, including Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, also pardoned family members or allies.
President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist convicted in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents during a standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Peltier, who was denied parole in July and will not be eligible again until 2026, will transition to home confinement.
Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and an activist in the American Indian Movement (AIM), has become a symbol for Indigenous rights and justice. AIM, which began in the 1960s to combat police brutality and discrimination, gained national attention during the 1973 Wounded Knee standoff with federal agents.
The 1975 incident occurred when FBI agents arrived at Pine Ridge amidst tensions over Native treaty rights. Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams were fatally shot after a shootout. While other AIM members were acquitted, Peltier was convicted in 1977 amid allegations of falsified evidence. His case has since drawn significant advocacy and controversy.
Thanks again - I appreciate this last Biden update.