A stunning revelation about sweeping pardons has conservatives up in arms, questioning the integrity of executive actions. The use of a controversial tool in the final days of an administration raises alarms about accountability and the rule of law, leaving many demanding answers.

Summary

• Biden used autopen to issue thousands of pardons in December 2024.
• Pardons included violent criminals, sparking conservative backlash.
• Biden told the New York Times the truth about autopen pardons.
• Critics argue autopen use undermines justice and public safety.
• Trump administration vows to review and potentially reverse pardons.

A Flood of Controversial Pardons

In the waning days of his presidency, Joe Biden issued thousands of pardons to convicted criminals, including those guilty of violent offenses, using an autopen to sign the orders without personal review, according to a July 14, 2025, Breitbart report. 

Speaking to the New York Times, Biden admitted, “I didn’t personally approve those pardons; they were processed through the usual channels.” 

The revelation, confirmed by administration sources, has fueled outrage among conservatives who see the move as a reckless abuse of executive power. “This is a slap in the face to victims and law enforcement,” said Fox News host Sean Hannity, echoing widespread Republican anger over the pardons’ scope and method.

Autopen’s Role in Justice Evasion

The use of an autopen—a mechanical device that replicates a signature—allowed Biden to issue clemency to over 1,500 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and 19,000 military court-martial cases on December 12, 2024, followed by thousands more for serious offenses. Critics argue this automated process bypassed thorough vetting, potentially freeing dangerous criminals. 

“Biden’s team knew his presidency was on its last legs, so they threw open the jailhouse doors,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X, highlighting concerns that the pardons included murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers. The lack of personal oversight, as Biden admitted to the Times, has conservatives questioning the legitimacy of the clemency process, with many calling it a betrayal of justice.

Victims and Law Enforcement Betrayed

The pardons have drawn sharp criticism for undermining public safety and victims’ rights. Families of those affected by the released criminals expressed horror, with one X user, @Justice4AllUSA, posting, “My brother’s killer walks free because of Biden’s pen? Unbelievable.” Law enforcement groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police, condemned the move, stating, “These blanket pardons disrespect the officers who risk their lives daily.” 

The inclusion of violent offenders, such as those convicted of murder and sexual assault, has intensified calls for accountability. “This isn’t compassion; it’s chaos,” said former Attorney General Bill Barr on “The Ingraham Angle,” arguing that Biden’s actions prioritize political optics over public welfare.

Trump’s Response and Reform Pledge

President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has vowed to address the fallout from Biden’s pardons. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Crooked Joe’s autopen stunt let criminals loose, but we’ll fix this mess!” The Trump administration is exploring legal avenues to review and potentially reverse some pardons, though experts note constitutional limits on rescinding clemency. 

“We’re looking at every option to restore justice,” said incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi in a Fox News interview, signaling a priority to reassess cases involving violent offenders. Conservatives see this as a critical step to restore trust in the justice system, with posts on X like @MagaPatriot22 urging, “Trump must lock these criminals back up!”

A Call for Accountability

The autopen controversy has reignited conservative demands for stricter oversight of executive actions. Biden’s admission that he didn’t personally review the pardons has fueled accusations of negligence, with critics arguing it reflects a broader pattern of irresponsibility in his administration. “This is what happens when you put politics over people,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on “Fox & Friends,” calling for reforms to prevent future abuses. As the Trump administration takes action, conservatives rally behind efforts to prioritize law and order, ensuring that justice prevails over what they view as Biden’s reckless legacy.