The Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump, has initiated a formal review of clemency decisions issued during the final weeks of former President Joe Biden’s term, as questions mount over the authenticity of documents and the use of an autopen to sign presidential orders.
Ed Martin, the newly appointed U.S. Pardon Attorney, is reportedly spearheading the inquiry. While the DOJ has not yet disclosed the full scope of the review, insiders indicate that high-profile cases—including the preemptive pardon of Hunter Biden and commutations granted to more than 35 federal death row inmates—are under close examination.
Critics say these actions, made just days before Biden left office, raise red flags over potential conflicts of interest and procedural irregularities. Among the most controversial was a sweeping clemency effort that impacted more than 1,500 individuals—a move hailed by Biden’s allies as historic, but derided by opponents as reckless and opaque.
One particular focus of the investigation is the pardon issued to Hunter Biden, which retroactively absolves any federal offenses dating back to 2014. That time period aligns with Hunter’s controversial tenure on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma, which had long been a lightning rod for allegations of influence peddling while Joe Biden was vice president.
Adding fuel to the fire, watchdog groups have raised serious concerns about whether Biden himself authorized many of the pardons and executive orders. Several of these documents appear to bear a mechanically replicated signature, generated by an autopen—raising questions about his physical and cognitive involvement during key decisions.
Energy watchdog Power the Future published a report highlighting what it describes as the “questionable legality” of several climate-related executive orders issued using autopen technology. Their findings align with a March investigation by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, which concluded that every signature attributed to Biden during his presidency appeared to be autopen-generated.
As the Justice Department delves deeper, the probe could have lasting implications for how executive authority is exercised and authenticated in the future—especially in the digital age.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT2McNwPTks
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
