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Trump Questions Legitimacy of Biden’s Pardons, Claims Autopen Usage Nullifies Them

Trump Questions Legitimacy of Biden’s Pardons

Former President Donald Trump has taken a bold stance regarding President Joe Biden’s recent pardons. He argues that these pardons, specifically those granted to members of the House Select Committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol riot, are invalid. Trump asserts that the pardons were signed using an autopen, suggesting that Biden was unaware of their existence.

Trump’s Accusations on Social Media

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “The ‘Pardons’ that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen.” The former president emphasized that Biden allegedly did not sign the documents personally, which he claims raises questions about their validity.

Furthermore, Trump asserted, “In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime.” These statements reflect Trump’s ongoing criticism of Biden’s presidency and decision-making.

Public Response and Legal Considerations

While aboard Air Force One on a recent trip, Trump responded to a question concerning the legality of executive orders and pardons signed by Biden via autopen. He stated, “I think so. It’s not my decision. That would be up to a court.” His comments invite speculation about how the judicial system may interpret these pardons if challenged.

Concerns About Autopen Usage

Trump’s remarks align with observations made by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, which noted that an autopen has been frequently used during Biden’s presidency. The project claimed, “We gathered every document we could find with Biden’s signature over the course of his presidency. All used the same autopen signature except for the announcement that the former President was dropping out of the race last year. Here is the autopen signature.” This statement raises ongoing concerns about the extent of Biden’s personal involvement in official documents.

Investigations and Political Implications

In his statement, Trump further criticized the members of the Select Committee, indicating they may face repercussions for their actions during the investigation, which he labeled a two-year “Witch Hunt.” He urged those involved to understand that they are subject to investigation. Trump’s claims serve to strengthen his narrative that his own administration was unjustly targeted by political adversaries.

Biden’s Pardons and Their Purpose

On January 20, Biden announced pardons for several individuals, including General Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, and members of Congress who served on the Select Committee. He expressed, “These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions.” This statement reinforces Biden’s perspective on the importance of these pardons.

Moving Forward: The Legal Landscape

As the political narrative unfolds, the legality of Biden’s pardons could face scrutiny in the courts. Trump’s comments raise pressing questions about executive powers and the authority vested in a sitting president to use an autopen for official communications. The implications of this issue may extend well beyond the current political climate.

Fox News Digital has reached out to a Biden spokesperson for further comment on Trump’s allegations. As discussions intensify, the public remains watchful of both the legal ramifications and the political fallout stemming from this matter. With each development, the stakes continue to rise, illustrating the polarized nature of U.S. politics today.

Final Thoughts on the Evolving Situation

The discourse surrounding Biden’s pardons and Trump’s claims about their validity reflects broader concerns about accountability and governance. As the story unfolds, the implications for both parties may shape the political landscape in the months to come. The legal system’s role in adjudicating these claims will be critical, potentially setting important precedents for future administrations.