House Speaker Mike Johnson has raised significant concerns regarding the legitimacy of pardons granted by former President Joe Biden. His statements follow the release of a comprehensive report by the House Oversight Committee, which examined Biden’s use of an autopen for signing executive orders and raised questions about decision-making within the Biden administration.
During an appearance on “The Faulkner Focus,” Rep. Kat Cammack, a Republican from Florida, discussed the implications of the report, which suggests that Biden’s inner circle may have obscured signs of his mental decline. The report, comprising over 100 pages, specifically investigates whether executive actions, including pardons, were authorized without Biden’s full awareness. Johnson characterized the situation as resembling “a terrible novel,” emphasizing the serious implications of the findings.
Johnson stated that the pardons issued by Biden could be considered “invalid on their face.” He expressed his readiness to challenge the legality of these pardons, drawing from his background as a constitutional litigator. “I would love to take this case,” he remarked, indicating a willingness to pursue legal avenues regarding the pardons.
The committee’s chairman, James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, echoed Johnson’s sentiments. Comer has questioned whether Biden was fully aware of the executive actions he authorized via autopen, particularly the numerous clemency orders. He has called for the Department of Justice to review these actions, suggesting that they should be deemed “void” due to the circumstances surrounding their issuance.
At a recent press conference, Johnson underscored the gravity of the situation, asserting that it is unacceptable for a president to delegate critical decisions to “unelected, unaccountable” individuals. He specifically mentioned Biden’s pardons as an area of concern, arguing that they lacked validity if signed without the president’s direct involvement.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Biden strongly rejected the committee’s assertions. They stated, “This investigation into baseless claims has confirmed what has been clear from the start: President Biden made the decisions of his presidency.” The spokesperson urged congressional Republicans to shift their focus away from political retribution and towards resolving pressing issues, such as the ongoing government shutdown.
Biden himself addressed concerns about his decision-making in an interview with The New York Times in July, asserting, “I made every decision” during his presidency. This statement stands in stark contrast to the claims being made by GOP members regarding his capacity to lead effectively.
As the debate over the legitimacy of Biden’s pardons continues, the political ramifications of the House Oversight Committee’s findings are likely to unfold in the coming weeks. With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, the situation underscores the ongoing tensions within U.S. politics, particularly regarding executive authority and accountability.
