Fox News has shed new light on the Justice Department’s investigation into the use of autopen by former President Joe Biden. Contrary to reports from other major media outlets, including The New York Times and CBS News, this investigation is still active. Significantly, it is important to note that Joe Biden himself is not the target of this inquiry.
On Wednesday, prior reports suggested that the case concerning aides’ use of the autopen for pardons was closed. However, Fox News clarified that this is not the situation. “It’s hard to imagine how [Biden] could be criminally liable for pardon power,” commented a senior DOJ official. This statement emphasizes the broad authority afforded to a sitting president regarding pardons, suggesting that any legal ramifications are unlikely to fall on Biden personally.
The Oversight Project played a crucial role in uncovering the use of autopen signatures during Biden’s presidency. Their investigation revealed that thousands of clemency actions and executive orders were signed with an autopen rather than traditional wet signatures, raising questions about the legitimacy and oversight of such actions. As detailed in their findings, key figures in Biden’s administration, including Neera Tanden and Jeff Zeints, were linked to this ongoing scandal.
In an exclusive development, it was reported that there are multiple autopen signatures associated with Biden’s pardons. An analysis identified two autopen signatures used for pardons and commutations, both differing slightly in appearance. Digging deeper, a third signature was discovered, indicating even broader use of this automation tool beginning in the early days of his presidency.
Emails reviewed by The New York Times revealed that Biden’s advisors made decisions regarding the pardons without direct input from him. It became clear that not every name was vetted or approved by Biden. In some instances, adjustments were made to the list of inmates, but the final versions were processed through the autopen without Biden’s explicit consent.
As this investigation continues, it points to serious concerns regarding transparency and the decision-making processes within the Biden administration. The implications of a president relying on such a method to handle pardons could reshape how similar situations are viewed in the future. The scrutiny from the Justice Department reflects the tension surrounding high-profile figures and their responsibilities.
This ongoing case serves as a pivotal moment for discussions about accountability at the highest level of government. As new details emerge, it remains to be seen how this will affect the reputation of the Biden administration and the broader perception of presidential powers in the context of legal integrity.
"*" indicates required fields
