In a sharp critique of Joe Biden, US President Donald Trump asserted that presidential pardons issued under former President are “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect,” claiming they were signed using an autopen without Biden’s direct knowledge or approval.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, Trump took aim at members of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th Capitol riot, referring to them as the “Unselect Committee of Political Thugs.” He alleged that any pardons linked to the committee are illegitimate, claiming they were authorised using an autopen—a device that replicates signatures—without proper approval.

“The “Pardons” that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them!” said Trump.

“The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime,” Trump wrote. 

Trump further accused members of the January 6th committee of “destroying and deleting ALL evidence” from their investigation. He suggested they could face legal scrutiny while also continuing his criticism of Biden.

“Those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level. The fact is, they were probably responsible for the Documents that were signed on their behalf without the knowledge or consent of the Worst President in the History of our Country, Crooked Joe Biden!” added Trump to his statement.