President Trump has declared Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons invalid, citing technical issues and claiming Biden was unaware of them.
In a bold move, former President Donald Trump announced that he is invalidating Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons.
Trump claims these pardons are “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect.”
This declaration has stirred significant reactions in Washington, D.C.
Background on Biden’s pardons
As his presidency came to an end, Joe Biden granted pardons to several individuals.
This is a common practice for outgoing presidents, who often use their final days in office to show mercy.
Among those pardoned were members of the House Jan. 6 Select Committee, including Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson and former Republican Representative Liz Cheney.
President Trump undoes Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons as they are invalid over technicality
Trump made his announcement early on a Monday morning. He argued that Biden signed the pardons using an autopen, which is a machine that automatically signs documents.
Trump suggested that Biden did not actually know what he was signing. He expressed this view on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“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,” he wrote.
“In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them!”
President Trump raises concerns over Biden’s capacity
Trump raised questions about Biden’s mental state, pointing out that the president is 82 years old.
He suggested that this age could affect Biden’s ability to understand what he was approving.
Trump stated, “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.”
Investigation threats for pardoned individuals
Trump also made it clear that the individuals pardoned would not be protected from investigations.
He stated that they would be “subject to investigation at the highest level.”
This means that the pardons may not shield them from potential legal repercussions related to their actions during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
He accused the committee members of destroying evidence during their investigation into the events of that day.
Trump has often referred to this inquiry as a politically motivated attack against him.
“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.”
“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!”
Besides members of the Jan. 6 Committee, Biden’s last-minute pardons included General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Milley had publicly criticized Trump, referring to him as a “wannabe dictator.”
Another notable figure pardoned was Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as Biden’s chief medical advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci has faced criticism and accusations from Trump and his allies for his handling of the pandemic.
Despite these controversies, Biden chose to pardon him, which has drawn mixed reactions from the public and political figures.
Public reactions to Trump’s decision
The announcement from Trump has resulted in a variety of responses.
Supporters of Trump are likely to agree with his views on the pardons, while critics argue that he is attempting to undermine Biden’s authority.
One user said: I think there are better things he can do than pick on an old man.
He always says he’s going to make America great, nothing great what he is doing. As if Trump is an angel..
The second user wrote: He is 100% certifiable. And he’s been in office less than 3 months. Think of the irreparable damage he will cause during his term.
The third user added: That’s the only reason Trump wanted in there.
The fourth user commented: Have to sign in person otherwise anyone can sign your name with auto pen – he was on vacation so couldn’t personally sign them