Top Points:
Biden's Controversial "Blanket Pardons": President Joe Biden issued unspecified "blanket pardons" at the end of his term, failing to name individuals or cases, which raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
Fitton's Criticism and Call to Action: Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton criticized these pardons as unconstitutional and lacking clarity, urging President Trump not to honor or execute them during his administration.
Potential Abuse of Power: Fitton warned that allowing such ambiguous pardons to stand could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in institutions and opening the door to future abuses of executive authority.
Full Report:
In a recent appearance on War Room, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton took aim at the controversial "blanket pardons" issued by President Joe Biden in the waning days of his term. Fitton, a vocal advocate for government transparency and accountability, argued that these pardons, which failed to name specific individuals, lack the clarity and legitimacy required to be effective. He encouraged President Trump to take decisive action and refuse to execute these unspecified pardons.
Fitton raised concerns about the precedent such ambiguous actions could set for future administrations. “All sorts of legal questions” Fitton stated. “Blanket pardons are really outside the legal norm, our Constitutional norms, and the Common Law of England, which the pardon power rises from."
The pardons in question, issued in a sweeping executive order, left legal experts puzzled by their lack of clarity. While the document cited broad categories of individuals who may have committed non-violent offenses, it did not include names or specific cases, making it unclear who, if anyone, actually benefits. Critics like Fitton believe the move was an attempt to protect political allies or individuals involved in questionable activities during Biden’s presidency.
Fitton urged President Trump to address the issue head-on. “President Trump should decline to affect that pardon."
Fitton's remarks align with growing calls from conservatives for greater scrutiny of Biden-era policies and decisions. Some lawmakers have already hinted at the possibility of legal challenges to the blanket pardons, citing the potential for abuse and lack of oversight.
The controversy over Biden’s pardons underscores the broader debate about the limits and responsibilities of presidential authority. Fitton emphasized that transparency and accountability should guide any use of executive power.
As President Trump continues to navigate his second term, the issue of Biden’s last-minute pardons is likely to remain a focal point for his administration and supporters. Whether or not these pardons hold up under legal and political scrutiny could have significant implications for the future of executive authority.
References:
War Room, Real America’s Voice, January 2025
Judicial Watch official statements and publications
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