Biden White House faced internal pushback on pardons, autopen use: report

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Recent reports have revealed that top officials in the Biden administration have raised concerns about the way pardons were handled by the former president’s team. There were criticisms about the use of an autopen in the final days of the White House term, with internal emails surfacing that shed light on the process.

After President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter on Dec. 1, 2024, there was a rush to pardon more individuals without proper vetting by the Justice Department. This raised red flags among senior officials, who questioned the transparency and legality of the pardons.

In one instance, Biden announced the commuting of nearly 2,500 sentences for individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. However, a memo from a senior Justice Department ethics attorney argued that labeling these individuals as nonviolent was misleading, as some had criminal backgrounds that were concerning.

The use of an autopen to sign executive orders and commute cases related to crack-cocaine sentences also came under scrutiny. Senior White House officials pushed back on requests to use the autopen, highlighting the importance of confirming Biden’s approval for such actions.

These developments have sparked further controversy, with President Donald Trump ordering an investigation into the Biden administration’s use of autopen signatures. Biden has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as distractions orchestrated by Trump and Congressional Republicans.

As the debate continues, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in politics and governance. Fox News Digital will continue to provide updates on this story and other important news events.

Author: Greg Norman, Fox News Digital