Trump Declares Biden’s Pardons ‘Void’ Over Autopen Signature Allegations

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the reversal of pardons issued by former President Joe Biden, arguing that they were signed using an autopen without Biden’s direct knowledge, rendering them “void, vacant, and of no further effect.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump specifically targeted pardons granted to members of the House Select Committee investigating him, labeling them as politically motivated and illegitimate. He asserted that Biden was unaware of the documents and suggested that those involved in authorizing them could face legal consequences.

The controversy stems from a report by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, which alleges that Biden relied on an autopen to sign nearly all official documents during his presidency. Trump seized on this claim, asserting that the use of a mechanical signature device invalidates the legal authority of the pardons. He also accused members of the committee investigating him of orchestrating a cover-up by destroying key evidence from their probe.

Biden, who issued 8,064 clemency actions during his term—the highest of any U.S. president—granted last-minute pardons to several family members, citing politically motivated attacks against them. His controversial December pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, for firearm-related charges has also fueled Republican criticism. Trump’s move to nullify Biden’s pardons signals a major legal and political clash that could further escalate partisan tensions in Washington.