Donald Trump declared on Monday that he has annulled the pardons granted by President Joe Biden to members of Congress involved in investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Trump’s claim centers on the idea that the pardons were invalid because Biden’s signature on the documents was reportedly made using an autopen a machine designed to replicate signatures.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that the pardons were “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect” due to the use of the autopen. However, the legal authority behind Trump’s declaration remains unclear, as no evidence was provided to support his claim that the autopen invalidates the pardons.
These pardons, issued near the end of Biden’s presidency, protected lawmakers such as Liz Cheney and others on the January 6th committee from potential legal retaliation by Trump. The committee had investigated Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his supporters’ role in the Capitol attack. The pardons were seen as a shield against Trump’s repeated threats of retribution if he were to regain the presidency in 2024.
While Trump insists that the pardons are invalid, he admitted that the final decision rests with the courts. In response to reporters’ questions about whether all autopen signatures should be voided, Trump said, “I think so. It’s not my decision, that’ll be up to a court.”
Trump’s move to challenge the pardons comes amid broader political tensions. Biden also issued preemptive pardons to high-profile figures such as former pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci and retired General Mark Milley, as well as to family members like his son, Hunter Biden, who had become targets for Republican criticism.
For his part, Trump has frequently promised retribution against his political opponents, including criminal prosecution, should he return to office. In his first months back in the political spotlight, Trump has already pardoned over 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
While legal questions remain about the validity of Trump’s action, his announcement has only added to the growing sense of division and anticipation heading into the 2024 election.
