Ed Martin, soon to be the Department of Justice’s pardon attorney and current head of the DOJ’s Weaponization Working Group, revealed last week that he is investigating the questionable use of the presidential autopen to sign pardons during the final days of the Biden administration.
Martin disclosed on Tuesday that his investigation actually began weeks earlier, back when he was still serving as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, according to The Blaze.
He confirmed that the probe into the autopen’s usage has been underway for quite some time. Martin has reached out to members of the Biden family, noted that several individuals under scrutiny have secured legal counsel, and revealed that a whistleblower has come forward with serious claims.
“About ten days ago, a whistleblower — a very senior Democrat — came to my office and said, ‘It was these three people who controlled access, and they benefited from it,’” Martin told journalist Mark Halperin on the “2WAY Tonight” show. “I’m not sure I fully buy the story yet, but the important thing is to get to the truth for the American people and protect the integrity of the process. That’s exactly what we’re working on.”
The whistleblower reportedly had close ties to Biden’s 2020 campaign, The Blaze noted.
Martin identified three main “gatekeepers” in the pardon process: Ron Klain, Biden’s White House chief of staff from 2021 to 2023 and his debate prep aide last year; former senior Biden adviser Anita Dunn; and Robert Bauer, who was President Obama’s personal lawyer.
Later, Martin added two more names: Steve Ricchetti, Biden’s counselor and 2020 campaign chairman, and, “of course Jill [Biden],” the First Lady.
He also asked the whistleblower if Susan Rice or others were involved, but the answer was a firm “No, it was these people.”
“How great it is that the president and Martin are so actively pursuing the autopen investigation,” said Howell.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, House Republicans sought interviews with Biden’s former physician and several senior White House aides amid allegations of a cover-up concerning Biden’s cognitive health. GOP members suspect others may have signed official documents—including legislation and pardons—on Biden’s behalf.
The Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee sent formal letters to ex-White House doctor Kevin O’Connor and four top Biden aides, requesting recorded interviews. These requests follow recent reports revealing the seriousness of Biden’s cognitive challenges and his Stage IV prostate cancer diagnosis, as the Washington Times reported.
“This cover-up of President Biden’s clear mental decline is a huge scandal. The American people deserve to know when this began, how bad it’s gotten, and who’s been making important decisions for him,” said Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican.
Comer added that the committee is considering new legislation “to ensure presidents are fit to serve.”
