Trump Threatens Legal Action Against Political Opponents Pardoned by Biden

In a recent development, former President Donald Trump has signaled intentions to pursue legal action against political adversaries who received pardons from his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump announced via his social media platform that those pardoned should prepare for 'high-level investigations.' His remarks particularly targeted members of the committee investigating the January 6th Capitol insurrection who were granted clemency by Biden shortly before he left office.

Trump has cast doubt on the legitimacy of these pardons, referencing a conspiracy theory popular in far-right circles. He claimed that the pardons are 'null and void' because they were allegedly signed using an autopen. Trump asserted that Biden either did not personally sign the documents or was unaware of their issuance. A spokesperson for Trump later suggested that Biden may have been mentally incapacitated during the signing process, insinuating that his signature could have been used illegally. Interestingly, Trump admitted to using an autopen himself, but clarified that he reserves that method for 'unimportant documents.'

While it remains uncertain if Biden indeed utilized an autopen for the pardons, such a practice is not unprecedented. Reports indicate that previous presidents have also employed similar mechanisms to sign pardons and other official documents. Notably, major media outlets, including the New York Times and The Hill, have highlighted that there is no constitutional basis for a current president to invalidate a predecessor's pardons.

The power to grant pardons is a constitutionally vested authority of the U.S. president, allowing them to commute or rescind sentences for federal offenses. This power is often exercised towards the end of a president's term. Biden's pardons encompassed a range of individuals, including those convicted of non-violent drug offenses, family members, and political figures opposed to Trump. The former president had previously vowed revenge against those he perceives as his political foes.

As part of this clemency wave, all members of the committee examining the Capitol riot were also preemptively pardoned by Biden. This committee was established to investigate the violent events that transpired on January 6, 2021, including the involvement of Trump himself. At the outset of his second term, Trump had granted pardons to individuals involved in the Capitol riot, including members of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, as well as others facing serious charges.

In response to Trump's latest threats, Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman and committee member, publicly challenged Trump on social media. Kinzinger referred to Trump disparagingly, describing him as a 'weak, whiny little man' and proceeded to hurl further insults. He then urged Trump to cease his bluster and to demonstrate his capabilities.