In June, President Donald Trump initiated an investigation into the actions of former President Joe Biden’s senior officials related to his mental capacity and authority during his presidency. This inquiry follows reports from the Pew Research Center revealing that Biden granted a staggering 4,245 acts of clemency throughout his term. The clemency decisions came under scrutiny, especially during Biden’s final months, when meetings took place that allegedly included Biden’s verbal approval of multiple pardons and commutations.
However, recent findings from the National Archives raise serious questions regarding the legitimacy of these actions. On record, there are no notes or confirmations that Biden was present during critical meetings related to the clemency approvals. The National Archives reported, “We did not find specific meeting notes that clearly mention or note that the President was present.” Furthermore, a memo concerning commutations for death row inmates remained unmarked, indicating no official approval by Biden. The absence of any concrete evidence of his participation highlights a troubling gap in accountability.
The draft memorandum submitted to Biden by White House Counsel Edward Siskel hinted at his potential use of clemency authority but lacks clarity on any final decisions made by him. Without finalized documentation to show Biden approved the commutations, the integrity of these acts is called into question. The National Archives did not find conclusive evidence linking Biden to any formal approval of the 37 cases outlined in the memo.
This situation is far from resolved. The investigation into Biden’s use of the autopen as a means of signing important documents might unveil more irregularities. An email exchange reported by the New York Post revealed that there is no substantial evidence that Biden reviewed the clemency warrants. With claimants believing that a select group within the White House executed these presidential powers while depicting Biden as fully in charge, the implications are significant. Former aides might now be reconsidering the decisions made under the presumption of Biden’s authority.
The consequences of these discoveries could extend beyond Biden’s term, indicating a pattern of governance that raises alarms about responsibility and decision-making. With accountability promised during the last campaign, Trump’s administration aims to shine a light on what unfolds as more details emerge from the investigation. The assertion that Biden was a passive figure in his presidency, guided by unelected staff, further complicates the narrative surrounding his administration’s legitimacy.
Trump has suggested that the clemency decisions might be retroactively nullified due to the questionable nature of their authorization. This creates a new landscape for understanding how power operated during Biden’s presidency and what it means for justice and governance in America moving forward. As this investigation unfolds, attention will turn to the legacy left by these last-minute clemency actions, revealing the intersection of authority, accountability, and the rule of law.
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