President Donald Trump (R) recently came out on Truth Social with a shocking statement. President Trump declared that the pardons given to the January 6th select committee and many others would not be valid. His reason for declaring this is due to the fact that the pardons were signed with autopen.
Trump argues that since former President Joe Biden (D) didn’t actually sign them, they have no effect. Trump elaborated in his statement that Biden never even knew about these pardons until they were signed. It is unclear though if the President has the power to rescind pardons from a previous administration. The Constitution does not contain a provision on the reversal of pardons.
From his post on Truth Social, “The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime.”
Opponents of Trump that received these pardons could be subject to investigations if the pardons go on to be voided. Members of the January 6th select committee were specifically mentioned. Former representatives Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney are notable opponents of Trump and could be investigated.
From his post, “Therefore, those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level.”
Representative Adam Schiff (D), a member of the committee, responded to Trump on X. He stated, “The members of the Jan 6 Committee are all proud of our work. Your threats will not intimidate us. Or silence us.”
Representative Bennie Thompson (D), chairman of the committee, also responded on X. He stated, “Trump was responsible for Jan 6. That’s why on day one he pardoned those who beat police that day. We thoroughly & legally investigated what he did and have lived rent free in his mind since.”
Other notable pardons that could be voided include members of the Biden family like Hunter Biden. The pardons for Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley are also now in question.
