Trump Voids Biden's Pardons, Claims Autopen Signatures Invalid
In an unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump has declared all presidential pardons issued by Joe Biden using an autopen to be invalid. This declaration specifically affects pardons granted to General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the January 6th Committee.
The controversy centers on the use of an autopen—a device that mechanically reproduces signatures. While autopen usage has historical precedent for official documents, Trump argues that pardons require direct presidential approval and cannot be delegated to mechanical means.
Trump expressed his position on Truth Social, stating:
"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."
Biden at White House podium
Legal implications of this declaration are significant:
- Constitutional experts question whether a sitting president can revoke predecessors' pardons
- Legal scholars debate if pardons require physical presidential signatures
- The Justice Department is expected to intervene
- Affected individuals likely to pursue legal challenges
This situation raises important questions about presidential authority and the future of pardon processes. The controversy will likely lead to court battles that could establish new precedents for how presidential pardons are issued and validated.
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The outcome of this dispute could fundamentally change the mechanics of presidential pardons and potentially impact the separation of powers between executive administrations.