Former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci reached out to the Biden administration on the morning of President Trump’s inauguration, seeking and ultimately receiving a preemptive pardon before the transfer of power. United States Pardon Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. confirmed the details in an interview with independent journalist Nick Shirley.

According to Martin, Fauci’s lawyers exchanged communications inquiring about pardons, and Fauci himself emailed the Biden team on January 20th to secure one just before the new administration took office. Martin stated that Fauci “immediately had his lawyers say I accept the pardon, and sent that in,” underscoring the urgency from Fauci’s side.

The pardon was among several issued via autopen in the final hours of the Biden presidency. Martin noted that the only pardon personally signed with a wet pen by Biden was that of his son Hunter.

This latest revelation comes as new documents continue to surface regarding Fauci’s role in COVID-19 origins research and related policy decisions during the pandemic.

The timing of Fauci’s request highlights the apparent concern within his circle about potential investigations under the incoming Trump administration.