Adam Kinzinger, the former Republican representative from Illinois, is not backing down in his ongoing feud with former President Donald Trump. Known for his role as one of the two Republicans on the January 6 committee, which investigated Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, Kinzinger is now daring Trump to follow through on his recent rant suggesting criminal charges could be coming his way.
Kinzinger's challenge comes after Trump declared on Sunday that many of former President Joe Biden’s pardons were “VOID.” Trump’s claim stemmed from a report earlier this month by a right-wing group that alleged Biden used an autopen, an electronic signature machine, to sign the pardons before leaving office in January 2021.
The former president’s recent accusations have ignited controversy, particularly with the number of individuals Biden pardoned, including Kinzinger himself, who were involved in the investigation into the January 6 Capitol riots.
Despite the accusations and ongoing political drama surrounding these pardons, Kinzinger, an outspoken critic of Trump, responded with characteristic defiance. On Monday, during an appearance on CNN, Kinzinger dared Trump to take the next step and file charges against him, as Trump suggested.
The former congressman emphasized that the rhetoric from Trump appeared to be an attempt to distract from more pressing issues.
Kinzinger appeared on CNN’s The Source with Jake Tapper, where he remarked, “First off, I’m trying to figure out what he’s trying to distract from, because that’s what all this is — always a distraction to try to get people’s attention.”
He went on to question whether Trump was simply seeking more attention for himself, adding that the issue felt like another manufactured controversy. “But look, Jake. It’s like, bring it on.”
The comments reflect Kinzinger’s frustration with Trump’s tactics. The timing of Trump’s statements, particularly regarding the validity of Biden’s pardons, also seems to be at the heart of Kinzinger’s critique.
By suggesting the pardons were invalid, Trump is stirring up legal debates that ultimately lead back to the ongoing investigation into the Capitol insurrection — a subject that Trump has publicly fixated on. Kinzinger, along with the other members of the January 6 committee, made it clear that Trump’s role in the events leading up to and during the attack was central to the investigation.
The controversy surrounding Biden’s use of an autopen signature machine to sign official documents, including pardons for several individuals involved in the January 6 investigation, is part of a broader legal and political battle. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, raised doubts about the legitimacy of the pardons when it suggested that Biden used an autopen to sign them.
The right-wing group also targeted the idea that Biden had signed the pardons electronically, arguing that such actions could invalidate them.
However, the use of an autopen is not prohibited under U.S. law. Former President Barack Obama used autopen signatures during his time in office, and legal experts have since noted that the U.S. Constitution does not mandate that a president personally sign pardons.
In fact, memos from 1929 and 2005 from the Solicitor General’s Office and the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel confirmed that a president’s hand signature is not required for a pardon to be valid.
Moreover, an 1868 ruling reaffirmed that once a presidential pardon is delivered, it is final. The controversy around Biden’s use of an autopen does not invalidate the pardons, as legal precedent clearly supports the use of electronic signatures.
This ongoing debate over the legitimacy of Biden’s pardons is further complicated by Trump’s claims, as he appears to ignore the legal framework that governs such actions.
Throughout his appearance on CNN, Kinzinger emphasized Trump’s obsession with the events of January 6, suggesting that it was clouding his judgment. “I’m like, look, we made it very clear what happened on Jan. 6,” Kinzinger said, referencing the committee’s findings.
“America made a decision. And there is one person that’s obsessed about the sixth because he still has been basically deemed guilty in the court of public opinion, and that’s Donald Trump.”
Kinzinger’s comments underscore the ongoing tension between Trump and his critics, who argue that the former president is unable to let go of the January 6 insurrection. This fixation has led to his constant attacks on those involved in investigating the event, including Kinzinger himself.
According to Kinzinger, Trump “obsesses” about the insurrection and continues to use it as a political weapon, despite the fact that the events of January 6 have been publicly dissected and widely criticized.
While Trump has been vocal in accusing Biden of using the autopen to sign the pardons, it’s important to note that the former president himself has admitted to using autopen signatures. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Trump confirmed that he has used the technology in the past.
This admission undermines the central point of his attack on Biden’s pardons, particularly as Trump’s own use of the autopen in official documents appears to contradict his accusations against Biden.
Kinzinger seized on this point during his CNN interview, calling out Trump’s hypocrisy. “So, my reaction to him is like, you know what? Then bring it!” Kinzinger said with a defiant tone.
“Stop talking about it! Stop being all verbose. Stop pretending like you’re tough. Bring the charges then if you really want to do it, because we will crush you in court.”
This challenge from Kinzinger is part of a broader effort to push back against Trump’s continued attacks and inflammatory rhetoric. Kinzinger’s bold statement serves as a reminder that while Trump may seek to undermine those who oppose him, the legal and political battles ahead are far from settled.
Kinzinger’s challenge comes at a time when Trump’s political future remains uncertain. While he continues to garner support from his base, the former president is facing numerous legal challenges, including investigations into his role in the January 6 attack and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
These investigations, along with the ongoing controversy surrounding his political actions, continue to shape Trump’s reputation and influence in the Republican Party.
As the legal and political battles unfold, Kinzinger’s willingness to confront Trump directly underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Many GOP members, like Kinzinger, have distanced themselves from Trump due to his actions surrounding the insurrection.
However, Trump’s loyalists continue to stand by him, creating a fractured political landscape within the party.
Adam Kinzinger’s daring challenge to Trump, urging him to bring criminal charges, is a clear indication that the former president’s actions continue to inspire strong opposition. Kinzinger’s unwavering stance against Trump, particularly over the events of January 6, signals that the former congressman is ready to confront the former president head-on.
As the legal and political drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump will respond to Kinzinger’s challenge and whether the former president can navigate the numerous investigations that threaten to overshadow his political legacy.
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