Trump Orders Investigation into Biden

Trump Orders Investigation into Biden

On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered a Justice Department investigation into former President Joe Biden’s actions during his presidency.

The probe focuses on allegations of cognitive decline and the use of an autopen to sign official documents. Trump’s executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington to lead the inquiry.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation stems from Republican claims that Biden’s aides concealed his alleged mental decline. Trump and GOP allies have long questioned Biden’s fitness, especially after his poor 2024 debate performance.

A 2024 report by former special counsel Robert K. Hur, investigating Biden’s handling of classified documents, fueled these claims. Republicans argue Biden’s aides may have improperly exercised executive power, using an autopen to sign documents like pardons and executive orders.

What Biden Did

Biden, who left office on January 20, 2025, issued over 1,500 pardons and commutations, including preemptive pardons for his son Hunter Biden, siblings James and Frank Biden, sister Valerie Biden Owens, and their spouses. He also commuted sentences of 37 death row inmates to life in prison.

Biden used an autopen, a common presidential tool, to sign some documents. Critics, including Trump, claim this raises questions about his decision-making capacity. Biden insists he made all decisions himself.

When and Who Confirmed

The investigation was announced on June 4, 2025, via a White House memorandum. Trump’s order was reported by multiple outlets, including Reuters, The Washington Post, and CNN.

Ed Martin, a Justice Department pardon attorney, confirmed a separate probe into Biden’s pardons on June 3, 2025, in an email to staff, as reported by Reuters. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer also launched a parallel inquiry into Biden’s mental fitness.

Potential Consequences for Biden

The investigation could challenge the legality of Biden’s executive actions, including pardons and policy directives. If evidence suggests aides acted without Biden’s full awareness, some actions might be deemed invalid, though experts like Thomas Gift from University College London argue the president’s pardon power is absolute, limiting legal consequences.

Politically, the probe may damage Biden’s legacy, portraying him as unfit during his term. Biden, now 82 and battling prostate cancer, faces no direct legal jeopardy but could endure reputational harm.

Trump’s probe escalates his pattern of targeting political opponents, raising concerns about politicizing the Justice Department. Democrats call it a distraction from Trump’s policy agenda, like tax breaks for the wealthy. The investigation may strain public trust in government if seen as retaliatory.

It also highlights Trump’s own use of pardons, including for January 6 defendants, which could invite scrutiny. The outcome remains uncertain, with no clear evidence yet of improper autopen use by Biden’s team.

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