President Biden confirmed he authorized the use of an autopen to sign numerous pardons and clemency actions at the end of his term, including those for his family, amid ongoing investigations by Congress into his age and decision-making process. Biden emphasized he made all decisions himself, despite questions about his capacity and the use of autopen technology.
President Joe Biden has issued 39 pardons and commuted nearly 1,500 sentences for non-violent offenders, marking the most acts of clemency in a single day. The pardons include individuals who have shown rehabilitation and commitment to their communities, with many convictions related to drug offenses. This move follows Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter, and reflects a broader trend of presidential clemency. Biden has previously issued categorical pardons, including for marijuana-related offenses and military personnel convicted due to sexual orientation.
The Justice Department is prioritizing the arrest of the most serious Jan. 6 rioters, particularly those who committed felony assaults on law enforcement, before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has indicated he may pardon some rioters, which has demoralized prosecutors who have worked on these cases. The DOJ aims to expedite these cases, focusing on those with the most egregious conduct, while online sleuths continue to assist in identifying suspects. Over 1,560 arrests have been made, with more than 1,100 convictions secured so far.
Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson has promised not to issue "blanket pardons" to those convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol if he is elected president. Hutchinson's stance contrasts with those of the two front-runners in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who have both said they would consider pardons for the rioters. Hutchinson has emerged as a key Republican voice refuting Trump's false claims of election fraud and has called on Trump to drop out of the 2024 race.
A former aide to Rudy Giuliani has accused him of offering to sell presidential pardons for $2 million each, which he and then-president Donald Trump would split. The allegation was made in a lawsuit filed by Noelle Dunphy, who also accused Giuliani of sexual assault, harassment, wage theft, and other misconduct. Giuliani's spokesperson denied the allegations, and no evidence has emerged to support them. During Trump's presidency, he frequently granted pardons without the involvement of the Pardon Attorney, and another person has previously claimed that Giuliani offered to help him obtain a pardon for a fee.
A former aide to Rudy Giuliani has alleged in a lawsuit that the former New York City mayor and then-president Donald Trump were offering to sell presidential pardons for $2 million apiece. The lawsuit also claims that she was subjected to sexual assault, harassment, wage theft and other misconduct by Mr Giuliani. During Mr Trump’s presidency, he frequently granted pardons to wealthy or well-connected individuals without the involvement of the Pardon Attorney. Giuliani's spokesperson has denied the allegations.
A former employee of Rudy Giuliani has filed a lawsuit alleging that he sexually assaulted and harassed her, refused to pay her wages, and discussed selling presidential pardons for $2 million each. The lawsuit also claims that Giuliani detailed plans to overturn the 2020 election results. Giuliani denies the allegations.