Newly released emails between Biden White House aides have uncovered significant evidence suggesting President Joe Biden did not personally review thousands of pardons issued during his final days in office. The documents, obtained exclusively by a source, reveal internal discussions about the process of approving clemency for numerous inmates, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the actions taken.
A top Biden White House aide reportedly informed colleagues that “Biden doesn’t review the warrants,” expressing confusion over the legal implications of the clemency decisions being finalized on the night of January 16. Another email detailed the creation of a template for each pardon, falsely implying Biden had verbally approved the grants. These documents were circulated hours before thousands of pardons and commutations were officially announced on January 17 at 4:59 a.m.
The emails also highlight concerns within the White House about ensuring Biden’s wishes were accurately reflected in the clemency orders. Stef Feldman, then-White House Staff Secretary, requested confirmation from Rosa Po, a deputy assistant to the president, that Biden had consented to specific pardons before authorizing the use of the autopen. A subsequent exchange between aides revealed uncertainty about whether the president had been consulted, with one official noting, “He doesn’t review the warrants.”
Rep. James Comer, leading the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Biden’s mental capacity and the autopen pardons, shared the findings on social media, stating there is now “solid grounds for voiding the majority of Joe Biden’s pardons.” Internal communications also indicate that the mass clemency was finalized outside of Biden’s typical working hours, with aides previously claiming he was most alert between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The revelations have sparked further scrutiny over the handling of presidential authority and the transparency of the pardon process.