Signed, Sealed, Void?
President Trump is questioning some John Hancocks Joe Bidens.
Sunday, President Trump claimed that former President Biden’s last-minute pardons of the Jan. 6 select committee, Dr. Fauci, several Biden family members, and others were “void” and “vacant,” alleging they were signed using an autopen without then-President Biden’s knowledge.
Autopens––mechanical devices that mimic signatures––have been used by presidents since Truman, typically on documents of lower-level importance (e.g., letters). In 2005, the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo saying autopens could be used to sign bills into law at the president’s direction; President Obama was the first to do so in 2011.
Legal experts say revoking the pardons would be an uphill legal battle. The White House said President Trump was simply “raising the point” of concern and questions should be directed at former Biden officials.
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of political controversies is a sign of God’s wisdom in us. Believing you’re right is not an excuse to be harsh or condescending.
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.”
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)