Is Biden’s decision on Jan. 6 pardons meaningless? Here’s what Trump is claiming

The events of January 6, 2021, remain a defining moment in American history.

Years later, the discussions about accountability and justice are far from over.


The House Select Committee’s investigation remains a topic of debate.

President Donald Trump has made a striking claim about presidential pardons—one that could change how we view the legal protections surrounding those involved.

But is there any truth to it?


Screenshot 2025-03-17 at 8.10.49 PM.png
President Donald Trump doubles down on his claims about Jan. 6 pardons, sparking conversation over their validity. Image Source: YouTube / MSNBC.


Trump’s Statement: Are Pardons "Void and Meaningless"?​


In a recent post on his social media, Trump argued that any pardons issued by President Joe Biden to members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee—or others—are invalid.

He claimed they are "void, vacant, and of no future force or effect."

If accurate, this would cast doubt on the legitimacy of these pardons.


However, this statement introduces more questions than answers.

Trump didn’t stop there—he went on to suggest that committee members had arranged their own pardons without Biden’s knowledge.

This assertion only adds more intrigue to an already complex and politically charged situation.


Also read: Special counsel Weiss defends impartiality in Hunter Biden investigation

The Autopen Controversy: Who Actually Signed the Pardons?​


A key piece of Trump’s argument revolves around the autopen—a device used to replicate signatures.

He insinuated that Biden may not have personally signed the pardons at all, questioning whether they were authorized properly.

The autopen has been a tool of convenience for presidents for decades, but its use for something as serious as pardons raises concerns for some.


Screenshot 2025-03-17 at 8.10.32 PM.png
A screenshot of Trump's recent social media post, where he claims Biden’s pardons are "void, vacant, and of no future force or effect." Image Source: Image Source: YouTube / MSNBC.


According to The Autopen Company, which manufactures the devices, the machine is "the oldest, most commonly used signing machine" and has been in use for "more than 60 years."

At this time, there’s no confirmation that the autopen was used in this case, and Biden’s team has not responded to requests for clarification.

Likewise, the Department of Justice has remained silent on the matter.


Also read: Controversy erupts with Biden’s unexpected pardons–Here’s why Americans are outraged.

Kinzinger’s Response: A Challenge to Trump​


Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Trump and a member of the House Select Committee, was quick to respond.

Kinzinger stated that the president is fixated on him and former Rep. Liz Cheney, both of whom served on the committee.

In a video message, he dismissed Trump’s latest claims and made it clear he isn’t backing down.

His response highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the January 6 investigation and the battle over its legacy.


Source: X / @AdamKinzinger.​


A Look Back: Trump’s Own Pardon History​


It’s worth remembering that Trump issued several pardons himself, including for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 attack.

These actions sparked their own conversation, making his latest statements on Biden’s pardons all the more interesting.

As the debate over January 6 continues, Trump's latest claims add yet another layer to an already complex discussion.

While the legal and political implications remain uncertain, one thing is clear—these issues will shape conversations for years to come.


Source: YouTube / NewsNation.

Read next: Trump makes a bold move at the DOJ—what it means for Biden-era officials

Key Takeaways
  • President Donald Trump claimed via his Truth Social network that preemptive pardons of members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee issued by President Joe Biden are "void, vacant, and of no future force or effect."
  • Trump accused committee members of orchestrating their own pardons, allegedly without Biden's knowledge, and suggested the use of an autopen to sign the documents.
  • Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a member of the committee, dismissed Trump's claims and challenged him directly, highlighting Trump's apparent fixation on Kinzinger and Liz Cheney.
  • Trump's allegations followed his own series of pardons for individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol, which included commutations and full pardons for others convicted of related offenses.

What do you think? Do Trump’s claims about Biden’s pardons hold any weight? Should the use of an autopen for official documents be a concern? And what do you believe the future holds for those involved in the January 6 investigations? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!
 

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