Joe Biden’s pardons were super controversial. But the former President couldn’t have seen this coming.
Because Donald Trump has declared Biden’s pardons null and void by discovering this one major mistake Joe made.
Trump Challenges Biden’s Last-Minute Pardons Over Autopen Signatures
On Monday, President Donald Trump took a decisive stance against the final pardons issued by his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, asserting that they are “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect.” Trump’s declaration hinges on the claim that these pardons, which include members of the House January 6 Select Committee and Biden family members, were signed using an autopen rather than by Biden’s own hand. This revelation, according to Trump, renders the pardons invalid and potentially exposes those responsible for their issuance to criminal liability.
Trump seized on the autopen discovery as evidence that Biden was unaware of the pardoning documents. “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,” Trump stated in an early Monday post on Truth Social. The president’s comments suggest a conspiracy behind the scenes, pointing fingers at unnamed individuals who may have acted without Biden’s knowledge or consent.
While Trump has been vocal about his belief that the pardons lack legitimacy, he conceded that the ultimate decision lies with the judicial system. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, he said, “It’s not my decision—that’ll be up to a court—but I would say that they’re null and void, because I’m sure Biden didn’t have any idea that it was taking place, and somebody was using an autopen to sign off and to give pardons.” This acknowledgment tempers his otherwise firm stance, leaving room for legal proceedings to determine the pardons’ fate.
Legal scholars, however, are not as convinced of Trump’s position. Peter Shane, a law professor at New York University, told Newsweek that the alleged use of an autopen “does not void the pardons.” Shane’s colleague, Stephen Gillers, added that the Constitution does not mandate that pardons be issued in writing, meaning the use of an autopen would not inherently violate constitutional standards. These expert opinions cast doubt on Trump’s assertion and signal potential challenges if the matter reaches the courts.
The pardons in question were issued by Biden just before leaving office in January, preemptively absolving several high-profile figures. Among the recipients were lawmakers and staff from the January 6 committee, including Representative Bennie Thompson (D., Miss.) and then-Representative Liz Cheney (R., Wyo.), as well as U.S. Army General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Biden also extended pardons to five of his relatives, including his three siblings, in the days leading up to Trump’s inauguration. The timing and scope of these actions have fueled speculation about their intent, with critics suggesting they imply guilt among the recipients.
Trump wasted no time condemning the move after its announcement, labeling it “disgraceful” and asserting, “Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES!” His rhetoric aligns with his repeated promises to pursue retribution against political adversaries, particularly those tied to the January 6 Capitol riot investigation, which examined his alleged role in the 2021 unrest. Beyond nullifying Biden’s pardons, Trump has pledged to launch a federal probe into the January 6 committee members, hinting they may have played a role in the autopen affair.
“Those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The fact is, they were probably responsible for the Documents that were signed on their behalf without the knowledge or consent of the Worst President in the History of our Country, Crooked Joe Biden!” His accusations amplify the stakes, framing the committee as not only biased but potentially complicit in fraudulent acts.
The autopen controversy gained traction after the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project publicized its findings last week. The conservative think tank claimed that Biden’s presidency was effectively “controlled” by those wielding the autopen, rather than the 82-year-old leader, whose mental acuity had noticeably deteriorated over his term. This narrative has found support among some Republican figures, including Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who earlier this month demanded a federal investigation into Biden’s executive actions.
🚨 Autopen Update 🚨
We analyzed Biden's Jan. 19, 2025 "pardons" for:-Biden Family Members
-Anthony Fauci
-General Milley
-J6 Committee
-Gerald LunderganThey all have the same exact Biden autopen signature https://t.co/jc6mkx37il pic.twitter.com/8VeBDwLNv7
— Oversight Project (@OversightPR) March 11, 2025
“I am demanding the DOJ investigate whether President Biden’s cognitive decline allowed unelected staff to push through radical policy without his knowing approval,” Bailey declared. “If true, these executive orders, pardons, and all other actions are unconstitutional and legally void.” Bailey’s call adds pressure to Trump’s efforts, raising questions about the legitimacy of Biden’s overall legacy.
In a lighter jab at the situation, Trump posted three images side-by-side on Truth Social: his first-term official portrait, a snapshot of Biden’s autopen, and his second-term portrait. The playful montage encapsulates his ongoing rivalry with Biden while keeping the autopen issue in the public eye.
Fauci Pardon Sits Unwell With Americans
In an interview with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl on Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, former chief medical advisor to ex-President Joe Biden, expressed his appreciation for the preemptive pardon issued by Biden before leaving office. Fauci, who faced numerous controversies during his tenure, maintained his innocence, stating, “I really truly appreciate the action President Biden has taken today on my behalf.”
During the interview, Fauci adamantly denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me.” He went on to explain his gratitude for the pardon, noting that the potential for politically motivated prosecution “creates immeasurable and intolerable distress” for himself and his family.
Shortly after accepting the pardon, Fauci issued a written statement reiterating his position from the interview. “Let me be perfectly clear: I have committed no crime and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me. The fact is, however, that the mere articulation of these baseless threats, and the potential that they will be acted upon, create immeasurable and intolerable distress for me and my family. For these reasons, I acknowledge and appreciate the action that President Biden has taken today on my behalf,” he wrote.
Ex-President Biden had hinted at the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons weeks before leaving office in an interview with USA Today. The pardons, granted in the final hours of his presidency, have proven to be some of his most contentious decisions, particularly the pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The preemptive pardon for Fauci was issued just before Biden departed the White House, paving the way for President Donald Trump to take the oath of office once again.
Surveys suggest, though, that the vast majority of Americans are uncomfortable with these “pre-emptive” pardons, especially for a controversial figure like Anthony Fauci. Fauci, in the eyes of many Americans, is guilty of lying to the American people during the height of the 2020 pandemic panic.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
