DOJ Scrutinizes Biden’s Last-Minute Pardons

Ed Martin, who leads the Department of Justice’s Weaponization Working Group, recently discussed the controversial “auto-pen” pardons issued on Biden’s last day in office. He emphasized the importance of closely examining these actions.

“These need scrutiny, as we want to ensure that pardons are accepted and used appropriately,” Martin stated to reporters. “So, we’ll investigate how the process unfolded.”

The DOJ’s investigation could reveal significant concerns around certain pardons, including those involving Anthony Forsey, a figure linked to the Biden family, as well as General Mark Milley, former members of the January 6th Committee, and various political figures accused of misconduct.

Trump has even labeled Milley as potentially treasonous. During his time as Trump’s chief military advisor, Milley had assured his Chinese counterpart that he would provide a warning if the U.S. considered military action against China. Remarkably, Milley received his pardon just before Biden took office.

Also included in the pardons was Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, granted a “Complete and Unconditional” pardon related to potential federal crimes dating back to 2014. This period coincides with when the Obama administration scaled back funding for certain risky virus research.

In February, over 16 state attorneys general launched investigations scrutinizing Fauci’s role in the COVID-19 response, alleging mismanagement and suppression of scientific discussion. Without the auto-pen pardon, Fauci might face legal challenges at both state and federal levels.

“Americans are demanding accountability, and I believe Ed Martin represents our best chance,” Mike Howell from the Surveillance Project told Blaze News. “These pardons are questionable and, as the president suggests, may be invalid.”

Howell continued, stating, “There are indeed bad actors who have harmed Americans, and we need to uncover the truth about who has really been in control of the government these past few years.”

Blaze News attempted to reach the DOJ for comment, but there was no immediate response. Schiff declined to answer questions regarding his feelings on losing his pardon, especially given his prior disinterest in receiving one.

In early March, a report revealed that many of Biden’s signatures on pardons and executive orders may, in fact, be machine-generated. The Watchdog Group determined that the auto-pen signature was utilized for pardons involving Fauci, Milley, and members of the January 6th Committee, along with Biden family members connected to foreign dealings.

Concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities led Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to question the legitimacy of the pardons signed with a machine-generated signature, especially as reports emerged indicating that staff had made decisions on Biden’s behalf while he was away. Biden has reportedly admitted to not remembering certain pardons issued in January 2024.

Howell remarked on the extensive use of the auto-pen in Biden’s administration, framing it as a means to obscure the true authority behind government decisions.

Trump has emphasized this auto-pen issue, asserting in a March 17th post that the required documents for pardons were neither adequately explained nor approved by Biden, suggesting potential criminality on Biden’s part.

Martin commented that while the auto-pen itself isn’t inherently problematic, it raises questions about Biden’s decisions at the end of his term. “There are truly bad actors, and if they can be prosecuted, we will charge them. If not, we need to give them a name, and in a society that respects accountability, they should feel shame.”