Former President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is currently investigating pardons issued by President Joe Biden during the final days of his presidency. This inquiry, confirmed by the White House, is part of a wider examination by the House Oversight Committee into President Biden’s alleged mental fitness and the use of an autopen for executing his signatures on pardons.
Biden granted pardons on January 20, his last day in office, to his siblings—James Biden, Frank Biden, and Valerie Biden Owens—as well as their spouses, John Owens and Sara Biden. He stated at the time that his family had faced relentless attacks rooted in partisan politics. Additionally, Biden had previously pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who had pleaded guilty to tax-related offenses.
Ed Martin, serving as the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, stated that his office would investigate whether the autopen was used appropriately and whether Biden was aware of its use. An autopen allows for the mechanical replication of signatures. It’s important to note that presidents, including Trump, have utilized autopens for decades, and there is no law that prohibits their use for pardons.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the investigation hinges not on the use of the autopen itself but whether President Biden was complicit or aware of its usage. Leavitt emphasized the seriousness of illegal actions, should they have occurred without Biden’s consent.
The inquiry comes amidst Trump’s campaign for the presidency in 2024, where he has vowed to hold a special prosecutor accountable for perceived corruption involving Biden and his family. As Trump faces several criminal indictments, this issue raises significant political stakes as the landscape of the upcoming election unfolds.
Additionally, concerns regarding Biden’s mental health have surfaced publicly, particularly following a presidential debate on the matter. This has intensified discussions around the capacities of current leaders, especially in light of Biden’s recent diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer.
The investigation serves as a notable chapter in the ongoing political narratives surrounding both Biden and Trump as they navigate a charged environment leading into the 2024 elections.
While this is a challenging time for President Biden and his administration, it is essential to focus on transparency and legal standards that govern the executive branch. The outcomes of this investigation could profoundly influence not just the Biden administration but also the broader political climate as the election approaches.