Trump Declares Biden’s Pardons 'Null and Void,' Threatens Congressional Investigators

 

Former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by declaring that the pardons issued by Joe Biden in his final days in office are "null and void." Trump claims these pardons were signed using an automated pen (Autopen) without Biden’s direct knowledge or approval, rendering them legally invalid. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump went further by issuing veiled threats against congressional members who investigated him, calling them part of a "witch hunt."

Trump Questions the Legitimacy of Biden’s Pardons

Trump’s statement comes just days after he returned to Washington from a weekend in Florida. He asserts that Biden’s last-minute pardons, including those granted to his son Hunter Biden, former health official Anthony Fauci, and congressional members who investigated Trump’s involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack, were executed without proper presidential authority. According to Trump, these pardons were signed using Autopen by Biden’s advisors without his direct authorization, making them "illegitimate and legally void."

Trump wrote: "The pardons granted by Sleepy Joe Biden to the Political Criminal Committee and many others are declared null, void, and without effect, because they were granted by Autopen. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them, and, more importantly, he knew nothing about them! The necessary documents were neither explained to Biden nor approved by him."

Trump’s Threats Against Congressional Investigators

Beyond contesting the legitimacy of the pardons, Trump accused members of the congressional committee that investigated the January 6th attack of destroying evidence to cover up what he believes were "clear illegal activities." He warned that these officials could now face legal consequences:

"Those who were part of the Criminal Committee, who destroyed and eliminated ALL the evidence obtained during their two-year witch hunt against me and many other innocent people, must fully understand that they are subject to a high-level investigation."

This statement raises concerns over whether Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) or FBI—led by his appointed officials—could potentially challenge the pardons and launch criminal investigations into his political opponents.

The Role of Autopen and the Heritage Foundation’s Claims

The controversy over Autopen has gained traction following a report by the conservative Heritage Foundation, which questioned the authenticity of documents signed during Biden’s presidency. The report claims that an assistant may have signed key documents—including executive orders and presidential directives—without Biden’s knowledge.

The Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project stated: "WHOEVER CONTROLLED THE AUTOMATIC PEN CONTROLLED THE PRESIDENCY." The report also alleges that the only document Biden personally signed was his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, suggesting that much of his administration’s decision-making may have been influenced by unelected officials.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has since called on the DOJ to investigate whether Biden’s cognitive decline allowed his staff to push policies without his direct approval, adding fuel to the growing political firestorm.

Trump’s Criticism of Autopen Use

During an Oval Office press event last week, Trump openly mocked Biden’s use of Autopen, calling it "incompetent" and "unacceptable." He stated:

"Who signs all these important documents with an automatic pen? Can you imagine signing executive orders this way? It should never have happened."

Trump’s administration, according to a memorandum accessed by the New York Post, followed a stricter policy regarding Autopen use, stating:

"We do not use Autopen for documents exercising presidential powers, such as executive orders, nominations, or legislation. The president personally signs these documents in the presence of witnesses."

Political and Legal Implications

The implications of Trump’s claims are profound. If the DOJ under Trump’s leadership takes action to challenge Biden’s pardons, it could set a legal precedent for revoking presidential clemency. Additionally, the broader narrative of Biden’s cognitive decline and alleged "shadow presidency" may serve as a political weapon for Trump and his allies in future elections.

With political tensions rising, the debate over the validity of Biden’s pardons and the extent of his direct decision-making power is far from over. Whether Trump’s threats materialize into legal action or remain a political maneuver remains to be seen.