Controversial Pardons by Biden Draw Scrutiny Amid AutoPen Concerns

The Justice Department is currently undertaking a review of the individuals who received pardons from former President Joe Biden. This scrutiny arises amidst growing concerns regarding his use of an AutoPen for automatically signing documents. Additionally, questions have emerged related to Biden’s state of mind and mental acuity during his last months in office.

The former president’s clemency actions have ignited significant debate. Biden utilized his final weeks in office to grant clemency, affecting over 1,500 individuals. This was described by his administration as the most extensive single-day act of clemency by a U.S. president.

However, these initiatives sparked criticism, particularly regarding specific pardons and preemptive gestures for family members, close associates, and allies. Detractors raised alarms that the Trump administration might investigate these pardons, potentially leading to repercussions for Biden and his inner circle.

Understanding the AutoPen Controversy

Biden hand-signed the pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. However, most pardons seem to have been executed using the AutoPen. This method of signing has generated its own set of controversies, with accusations suggesting it undermines the authenticity of the pardons.

A Closer Look at the Most Controversial Pardons

Among the most contentious pardons was the one granted to Hunter Biden in December 2024. This decision came after a public assurance from the president that he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters.

Hunter Biden faced convictions on three felony firearm offenses, following a comprehensive investigation by Special Counsel David Weiss. He had also been charged with federal tax violations, linked to failing to pay over $1.4 million in taxes. Prior to his trial, he entered an unanticipated guilty plea.

In December, Biden issued a blanket pardon covering any offenses against the U.S. that Hunter Biden “has committed or may have committed” from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.

The president articulated that his commitment to maintaining a non-influential stance over the Justice Department’s decisions remained firm, despite the pressures he faced regarding his son’s case. He commented on the unrelenting scrutiny on his family, emphasizing the attempts to harm both Hunter and himself.

Biden expressed hopes that Americans would come to understand the motivations behind a father’s decision to protect his son while fulfilling his role as president.

Pardons for Family Members and the Implications

Just a day before exiting the presidency on January 20, 2025, Biden signed an Executive Grant of Clemency for several family members, including his brother James, sister Valerie, and other close relatives. This “full and unconditional” preemptive pardon protected them from any legal repercussions for nonviolent offenses they might have committed between January 1, 2014, and the pardon date.

This decision drew immediate scrutiny as allegations surfaced regarding the Biden family’s business dealings. Congressional investigations revealed claims that Biden had engaged in “impeachable conduct” during his vice presidency, suggesting he defrauded the United States for the benefit of his family.

Testimonies during the impeachment inquiry indicated that James Biden faced referral for prosecution concerning false statements made to Congress related to significant aspects of the investigation.

Additionally, investigations discovered that the Biden family and associates had reportedly received more than $27 million from foreign entities since 2014, raising serious ethical questions surrounding these transactions.

Pardons of Military Leaders and Public Figures

Biden also pardoned Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on January 19, 2025. Milley previously acknowledged the strategic failures associated with the Afghanistan withdrawal, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. He stated appreciation for Biden’s actions after maintaining a long career in military service.

On the same day, Biden granted a pardon to Dr. Anthony Fauci, who had served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Fauci faced politically charged allegations but maintained he had committed no crime and welcomed the pardoning as a reflection of the undue distress he endured.

This pattern continued with pardons extended to members of Congress who served on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol Attack. This group, which included committee staff and police officers, was also offered protection under Biden’s clemency actions. The decisions made during the last days of Biden’s administration have thus far faced mixed receptions and maintained a spotlight on his leadership decisions.

A Legacy Under Review

As the legal and political ramifications surrounding these pardons continue to unfold, they will likely shape Biden’s presidential narrative for years to come. The combination of a historic number of pardons, the use of an AutoPen, and the emphasis on protecting family members suggests a complex interplay between personal and political motivations.

Consequently, Biden’s use of executive power in the context of pardons presents a unique case study in modern political governance. Policymakers, historians, and citizens alike will track the long-term implications of these controversial decisions and examine their impact on perceptions of justice and accountability within the political sphere.

Biden’s actions, steeped in personal significance, highlight the intricate balance of authority and the ongoing responsibility held by leaders to navigate public scrutiny while managing personal loyalties.