New coverage says President Donald Trump has backed Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Dr Anthony Fauci, despite their long-running public disputes over the US response to COVID-19. The endorsement is notable because Fauci has become a central target of conservative criticism, and the pardon may reduce his exposure to future federal prosecution while political scrutiny continues.

Fauci, the former chief US medical adviser, invoked the Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination during questioning, prompting criticism from conservative groups. Tina Descovich of Moms for Liberty said he should apologise for pandemic-era policies; Biden’s pardon follows years of arguments over Fauci’s role in shaping COVID-19 guidance.