Here’s what happened after Trump’s bold statement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed questions on Monday regarding President Donald Trump’s statement challenging the legitimacy of pardons granted by former President Joe Biden. Trump had posted on Truth Social, declaring that Biden’s use of an autopen to sign pardons rendered them “VOID.”
Trump specifically called out pardons linked to the January 6th Committee, arguing they were politically motivated and possibly issued without Biden’s direct knowledge or approval. He contended that the use of an autopen—a device often used for signing official documents—raises legal and ethical concerns about the validity of these pardons.
During Monday’s White House briefing, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins pressed Leavitt on whether Trump had the authority to nullify pardons. Leavitt responded by emphasizing that Trump was bringing attention to a serious issue: whether Biden was aware of and had personally authorized the pardons issued under his name.
“The president is raising an important question that every journalist should investigate,” Leavitt stated. She pointed to reports from The New York Post suggesting that even some within Biden’s administration questioned whether he had been fully informed before his signature was applied.
When Collins noted that Biden had publicly acknowledged issuing the pardons, Leavitt pushed back, highlighting the distinction between public statements and Biden’s direct involvement in each individual case. She urged reporters to further examine the matter, hinting at potential legal repercussions if Biden’s signature was used without his explicit authorization.
This controversy fuels broader concerns about presidential decision-making and accountability. With the 2024 election approaching, questions over Biden’s cognitive ability and administrative oversight continue to be a focal point in conservative discussions. As scrutiny over these pardons intensifies, expect ongoing debate on the ethical and legal boundaries of executive authority.