03.06.2025 15:30
The new Trump administration has begun to question the legitimacy of the pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in the final days of his term. The investigation focuses on whether Biden was mentally fit to make these critical decisions and whether he used an automatic signature machine.
The new Trump administration has begun to question the legitimacy of the pardons issued by former President Joe Biden during his final days in office. The investigation focuses on whether Biden was mentally fit when making these critical decisions and whether he used an automatic signature machine.
The investigation initiated by Trump's pardon advisor Ed Martin will scrutinize the controversial pardons Biden issued recently. Among these decisions are the commutation of the sentences of 37 death row inmates and the pardon of his own son, Hunter Biden.
Martin stated in a press release that the investigation will look into whether Biden was "mentally fit" and whether those around him "took advantage of him through an automatic signature machine or other means." An automatic signature machine is a device that automatically signs documents on behalf of a person.
Trump went even further, claiming that Biden was "unaware" of most of the pardons he issued and that, therefore, the decisions were "invalid."
The biggest controversy arose over Biden's pardon of his son Hunter. Hunter Biden could have faced up to 25 years in prison for tax evasion and illegal possession of a firearm. Biden had previously promised multiple times that he would not interfere in his son's case.
Additionally, Biden protected some family members under "preemptive pardons" during his final days in office.
According to the U.S. Constitution, the presidential pardon power is quite broad. Trump also exercised this power, pardoning approximately 1,600 supporters who participated in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Interestingly, Trump's pardon advisor Martin had previously stated that "using an automatic signature is not necessarily a problem."
Biden's recent diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer has reignited discussions about his mental fitness. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey claimed that Biden is experiencing "mental decline" and that his staff is taking advantage of this.
It is still unclear how the investigation will be conducted and whether it will have legal consequences. Experts note that due to the constitutional status of presidential pardon power, it is extremely difficult to overturn these decisions.
No official statement has yet been made by the Biden administration regarding these allegations.