Biden Defends Mass Clemency, Faces Investigations

Former President Joe Biden has defended his use of an autopen to sign a record number of clemency actions, which included over 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders, 1,500 individuals in home confinement, and 37 death row inmates. Biden and his aides explained that he set the eligibility criteria and made final decisions, but did not personally review every name due to the scale of the effort. High-profile pardons included his son Hunter Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 Committee. Critics, led by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, claim the use of the autopen concealed Biden’s cognitive decline and have triggered investigations by both the House Oversight Committee and the Justice Department. Biden maintains his actions were legal, had precedent, and were necessary due to the volume involved. The controversy highlights ongoing partisan disputes over presidential authority, transparency, and Biden's mental fitness.