Biden Autopen Pardons Controversy Emerges After New Report
The Biden autopen pardons controversy grew after a report detailed how several pardons were finalized. The report focused on decisions made during Biden’s final day as president.
According to reporting by The New York Times, Biden’s chief of staff approved the autopen’s use. The approval reportedly covered several high-profile pardons.
Those pardons included former presidential advisor Anthony Fauci and former Joint Chiefs chairman Mark Milley. Both were among officials granted preemptive pardons.
Role of White House Officials in Autopen Decision
During his final day in office, Biden reportedly met with advisers until nearly 10 p.m. The discussions focused on possible preemptive pardons.
At 10:03 p.m., an aide sent a summary draft of the decisions to the assistant of Jeff Zients. Zients served as Biden’s chief of staff.
The assistant then forwarded the email to Zients and other officials. Among them was White House deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed.
Autopen Approval in Final White House Emails
At 10:28 p.m., the assistant requested final clearance for the pardons. According to the report, Zients responded shortly afterward.
Three minutes later, Zients replied to the email thread. He approved the use of the autopen for executing the pardons listed.
The email reportedly stated approval for using the autopen on the listed pardons. This detail fueled the growing Biden autopen pardons controversy.
Questions Over Individual Approval of Pardons
The report also stated that Biden did not personally approve each individual name. Instead, he approved broader criteria for determining eligibility.
According to the report, Biden supported the standards used to identify qualifying cases. Officials then applied those standards to specific individuals.
These procedures became central to the Biden autopen pardons controversy. Critics argue that the process raises questions about presidential oversight.
Political Reaction From Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump strongly criticized the reported use of the autopen. He called the issue potentially one of the biggest scandals in decades.
Trump said Biden may not have known what documents were being signed. He made those comments while speaking to reporters at the White House.
Additionally, Trump directed federal authorities to review the issue. In June, he instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to begin an inquiry.
Investigation and Public Debate Continue
Trump wrote that aides may have abused presidential signature powers. He also questioned whether the autopen use related to Biden’s mental capacity.
Meanwhile, a White House official said Trump signs legally binding documents by hand. However, Trump has acknowledged using an autopen for letters.
According to Pew Research Center, Biden issued 4,245 acts of mercy while president. About 96% occurred between October 2024 and January.
The Biden autopen pardons controversy continues to draw attention. More information may emerge as investigations and political debates continue.
