In a move that has captured the attention of both Democrats and Republicans alike, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an official review of pardons granted under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
The review stems from concerns about whether Biden himself was making the critical decisions surrounding clemency or whether unelected staffers were driving these decisions behind the scenes.
This review marks a new chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s handling of pardons, particularly as his cognitive abilities have come under increasing scrutiny in recent months.
The senior administration official who spoke to The Hill about the review confirmed that pardon attorney Ed Martin would lead an independent investigation into whether “unelected staffers” took advantage of Biden during his presidency, especially concerning the distribution of pardons and commutations.
The investigation is set to examine whether an "autopen" was used to grant clemency powers, a practice that many view as emblematic of the broader concerns about Biden’s fitness for office.
Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, provided a strong statement on the matter, reinforcing the concerns of many conservatives. “The American people deserve to know the extent to which unelected staffers and an autopen acted as a proxy president due to the incompetence and infirmity of the previous president,” Fields said.
This statement is not just a political jab; it underscores a fundamental issue many in the Republican Party have raised during Biden’s time in office: that his cognitive decline could have impacted his ability to make crucial decisions, including those related to pardons.
The concerns raised by Fields are not without merit. Throughout Biden’s presidency, there has been growing alarm among some factions of the GOP and conservative circles about the cognitive health of the president.
With frequent verbal gaffes, moments of confusion, and the question of whether he truly had control over all aspects of his administration, it has led to doubts about his ability to perform his duties effectively.
The pardons issue is only one of the many areas where questions about Biden’s competence have been raised.
Biden’s cognitive decline has been a source of discussion, particularly as the administration’s actions on clemency have become a focal point. While the public focus has primarily been on foreign policy and domestic issues, such as the economy and the pandemic response, pardons have drawn attention due to their political sensitivity.
The fact that Biden granted multiple high-profile pardons to individuals tied to his family, as well as others, has raised eyebrows among Republicans and led to accusations that the clemency process may have been influenced by political motives rather than legal considerations.
The idea that “unelected staffers” may have taken control of such a powerful executive function is troubling for those who value transparency and accountability in government.
President Trump, on the other hand, has been widely praised for making his own decisions regarding pardons, without any indication that his staff had undue influence over those decisions.
For conservatives, this issue highlights a key difference in leadership style between Trump and Biden, with Trump being seen as a hands-on leader who took ownership of his decisions, in contrast to the perceived passivity of Biden’s administration.
Biden's clemency powers were exercised extensively during his time in office, with the president issuing over 80 pardons and commuting the sentences of thousands of individuals.
The vast majority of those pardoned were nonviolent offenders, particularly individuals convicted of drug offenses. This focus on nonviolent offenders aligns with Biden's long-standing support for criminal justice reform.
While this may have been lauded by some as a compassionate approach, others criticized it as overly lenient and inconsistent with the need for tough law enforcement.
However, some of Biden’s more controversial clemency actions came toward the end of his term. One of the most notable and divisive acts was the full pardon granted to his son, Hunter Biden, who had pleaded guilty to federal gun charges and admitted to issues regarding unpaid taxes.
This pardon, which many viewed as politically motivated, added fuel to the fire of Republican accusations that Biden was using the clemency power to protect his family and close allies.
Hunter Biden has been a frequent target for Republicans, with accusations of corruption and improper conduct weighing heavily on the administration.
Biden’s use of pardons for family members, including Hunter, raised additional concerns among Republicans that the power of clemency was being wielded for personal and political gain rather than fairness or justice.
This has led to calls for greater oversight into the process, as well as a broader conversation about the role of the president in granting clemency.
In stark contrast to Biden’s controversial pardons, President Donald Trump’s use of his clemency power was met with praise from many Republicans who viewed his decisions as transparent, straightforward, and, most importantly, consistent with the principles of justice.
Trump used his clemency power in a manner that aligned with his administration's broader political philosophy: to support individuals who had been treated unjustly or who had made significant contributions to their communities or the nation.
One of the hallmark decisions of Trump’s presidency in this regard was the pardoning of numerous individuals who had been convicted of nonviolent crimes, particularly those related to drug offenses.
In several high-profile cases, Trump used his pardon power to release individuals who had been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for minor drug offenses, showing his commitment to criminal justice reform.
However, unlike Biden, Trump’s clemency decisions were not mired in controversy related to family or political connections, which made his actions more palatable to conservatives.
Trump’s decision to pardon individuals like former Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former campaign advisor Roger Stone also reinforced his image as a president who was willing to take bold, politically contentious actions to challenge the establishment.
While some of these pardons were criticized by his opponents, they were defended by many Republicans as necessary to protect individuals who were perceived to have been unjustly targeted by political opponents or the legal system.
The contrast between Trump’s transparency and Biden’s apparent reliance on unelected staffers to make key decisions on pardons highlights the broader differences in leadership styles between the two presidents.
Trump’s approach to clemency emphasized accountability and personal ownership of decisions, while Biden’s handling of pardons has been marked by ambiguity and a lack of clarity about who was truly responsible for making these crucial choices.
The issue of presidential integrity, especially concerning the use of executive powers like clemency, is one that has resonated deeply with Republicans.
The GOP has long championed the idea that a president should be fully engaged in all aspects of governance, particularly when it comes to making decisions that affect the rule of law and the fairness of the justice system.
Trump’s approach to pardons reinforced this idea, as he was seen as taking personal responsibility for his decisions and ensuring that they aligned with his values and vision for America.
In contrast, Biden’s lack of clear ownership over his clemency decisions raises serious questions about his leadership abilities. If unelected staffers were allowed to make decisions about who would receive pardons and commutations, it could suggest that Biden was not fully in control of his administration, a fact that is deeply troubling for many conservatives.
This concern has only been exacerbated by the growing number of reports questioning Biden’s cognitive decline and his ability to make critical decisions on behalf of the American people.
For Republicans, the investigation into Biden’s pardons is a critical moment to highlight the differences in leadership styles between the two parties. While Trump’s administration was characterized by decisive, hands-on leadership, Biden’s presidency has been marked by confusion, indecision, and a lack of clarity about who is truly running the country.
The GOP’s focus on transparency, accountability, and strong leadership is reflected in their call for greater oversight of the clemency process and a demand for answers regarding who was truly responsible for making key decisions during Biden’s presidency.
As the investigation into Biden’s use of clemency continues, it is clear that the American people deserve answers. Whether or not Biden was directly involved in the decision-making process surrounding pardons, the fact remains that his administration’s handling of these critical matters has been marked by confusion and controversy.
Republicans have long called for greater transparency in government, and this situation provides a perfect opportunity to ensure that executive powers like clemency are used appropriately and with full accountability.
For conservatives, the ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s presidency serves as a reminder of the importance of strong, transparent leadership. As the country prepares for the 2024 election, the question of who is truly in charge will be front and center in the minds of many Americans.
If Republicans are to succeed in the upcoming election, they must continue to push for policies that prioritize integrity, accountability, and strong leadership—values that were central to Trump’s presidency and will be critical to the future of the GOP.
In conclusion, the investigation into Biden’s pardons is just the latest chapter in the ongoing debate about leadership, transparency, and accountability in American politics.
As the GOP moves forward, it must continue to advocate for strong leadership that prioritizes the interests of the American people, rejects the influence of unelected staffers, and ensures that executive powers are used responsibly.
The contrast between Trump’s leadership and Biden’s handling of critical issues like clemency will be an important factor in the coming years, and it is clear that the GOP has a strong case for why they are the party of transparency, integrity, and strong national leadership.
