Just hours before leaving office Monday, Jan. 19, President Joe Biden pardoned potential targets of Donald Trump’s second presidential administration, including Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino.

Lawmakers who served on the House committee investigating Trump's actions tied to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot have been split about the importance of a preemptive pardon.

President Biden preemptively pardons Dr. Anthony Fauci, former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, and retired Gen. Mark Milley to protect them from Trump inquiries.

"My family and I are deeply grateful for the President's action today," Milley said in a statement to USA Today provided by a spokesperson.

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) issued a statement on the swearing-in of President Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States.