Trump Claims Biden’s Pardons Are Invalid Amid Legal Confusion

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy early this week by declaring that President Joe Biden‘s pardons for members of the January 6 committee were “hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT.” Trump’s unusual announcement came via a post on his social media platform in the early hours of the morning.

The assertion was based on Trump’s belief that Biden signed the pardons using an “autopen” and that such documents are not legally valid. He also speculated that Biden’s mental state has deteriorated to a level where he was unaware of the pardons he had issued. However, Trump provided no evidence to support these claims.

Legal experts have questioned the validity of Trump’s assertions. MSNBC analyst Jordan Rubin explained that Trump’s position has no real legal foundation. “The president claims authority he does not have,” Rubin noted, emphasizing the lack of evidence behind Trump’s statements.

In response to inquiries about his claims, Trump stated, “It’s not my decision — that’ll be up to a court — but I would say that they’re null and void.” This statement highlights a contradiction; while he claims the matter is not up to him, he also insists he has already nullified some pardons.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was questioned about the legal authority Trump claimed to possess. She suggested the question of whether Biden was even aware of the pardons relied on journalistic investigation, despite acknowledging Biden had publicly discussed them.

The stakes of these claims extend beyond mere rhetoric; they raise questions about potential actions by the White House or federal law enforcement in regards to Trump’s unusual assertions about the January 6 panel. As Trump’s belief persists, the implications remain uncertain.

In a separate development, Trump recently announced the appointment of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to the oversight board of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Flynn, who has a controversial history—including pleading guilty to lying to the FBI and promoting conspiracy theories—now holds a position of oversight despite a past characterized by involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The West Point oversight board carries limited authority, yet Flynn’s appointment is noteworthy given his background. He was fired early in Trump’s presidency for dishonesty regarding contacts with Russian officials and has continued to promote radical views.

Analysts view Flynn’s appointment within the context of Trump’s broader strategy. In an unhinged speech at the Justice Department, Trump painted Flynn as a loyal ally despite the retired general’s troubling history of promoting dangerous conspiracies. Such appointments raise concerns about the normalization of extremist views within political leadership.

As the political landscape evolves, observers remain vigilant about the actions and statements from Trump and his allies, wondering how they may impact current governance and legal structures.