Senator Johnson Requests NARA Records on Biden’s Health Amid Ongoing Senate Investigation

Senator Johnson Requests NARA Records on Biden’s Health Amid Ongoing Senate Investigation

EXCLUSIVE: Senator Ron Johnson is urging the National Archives and Records Administration to release all documents related to former President Joe Biden’s mental and physical health. This demand comes amidst a Senate inquiry into alleged cover-ups surrounding Biden’s cognitive decline, as reported by Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital obtained a letter from Johnson, a Republican senator from Wisconsin, addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is currently acting as the U.S. archivist. The senator is the chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, where he is now spearheading an investigation into what he terms a cover-up regarding the health of former President Biden.

Details of the Investigation

In the letter, Johnson articulated his office’s examination of claims suggesting that Biden, along with his cabinet and staff, concealed the details of his declining mental and physical health during his presidency. Johnson pointed out that these allegations raise critical concerns about who was truly making significant presidential decisions if Biden was incapable of doing so.

In his correspondence with Rubio, Johnson noted the gravity of the situation, mentioning that the allegations could significantly impact public trust in governmental operations. He wrote, “There should be transparency regarding who was making these crucial decisions during a critical period in our nation’s history.”

Biden’s Clemency Powers Under Scrutiny

Johnson outlined one major area of concern: the presidential authority to grant clemency or pardons. He highlighted that the White House Counsel’s Office, together with the Justice Department, is conducting an investigation into Biden’s use of an autopen — a device that mimics a person’s signature — for signing official documents, including pardons.

Johnson pointed out that this investigation is vital for understanding the legitimacy of decisions made under questionable circumstances. He emphasized that the use of an autopen poses profound implications, particularly when it comes to pardons granted by the president.

Document Requests to NARA

In his quest for transparency, Johnson is demanding that NARA provide all records related to Biden’s health that were shared with the White House Counsel’s Office. This includes requests for communication records among former White House officials, Biden’s Cabinet members, and their teams, elucidating discussions surrounding Biden’s health.

He specifically named several key individuals, including former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, and several close advisers, asking for any documentation relevant to their discussions about Biden’s cognitive state.

Johnson established a deadline for Rubio, requesting the records by July 30, further amplifying his insistence on transparency in governmental processes.

Autopen Controversy and Investigations

In June, Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice to examine the implications of autopen usage, questioning its correlation with Biden’s mental acuity. The autopen, which physically holds a pen, has been identified as capable of signing a variety of documents, including pardons.

Biden reportedly utilized the autopen extensively during his tenure, signing numerous documents and pardons. However, critiques emerged when it became clear he only personally signed one pardon — for his son, Hunter, despite public statements indicating he would not offer pardons to family members.

Assessing Biden’s Claims on Decision-Making

During a recent interview with The New York Times, Biden defended his decisions during his presidency, insisting he made significant choices independently, despite evidence to the contrary regarding the approval process for pardons. The Times reported that Biden did not individually review every name listed for the categorical pardons, which hinted at potential lapses in oversight.

Congressional committees, such as the House Oversight Committee, have also joined the fray, probing into Biden’s health and the usage of the autopen during his administration. A senior administration official clarified that while there are multiple investigations into Biden’s health, the White House Counsel’s inquiry remains distinct from congressional actions.

A Multifaceted Investigation

The investigation, characterized by officials from the White House Counsel’s Office as significant, aims to be concluded as promptly as possible. There is also an awareness of the heightened scrutiny that Biden faces regarding his health, which only adds to the ongoing controversy.

Trump’s office commented on the autopen’s use, maintaining that Trump employs the device exclusively for informal tasks, such as birthday letters and non-official correspondence.

A Growing Call for Transparency

With allegations swirling and investigations underway, public demand for transparent governmental processes continues to grow. Johnson’s pursuit of information from NARA illustrates the broader implications of the inquiry into Biden’s health and the legitimacy of decisions made during his presidency. As stakeholders await responses and further developments, the narrative around Biden’s leadership during a critical historical moment remains contentious.