Audio tapes reveal Biden's cognitive decline, fueling GOP calls to void autopen-signed pardons and investigate DOJ cover-up.

Autopen Use and Mental Fitness Questioned

Newly released audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur have intensified scrutiny over Biden’s cognitive abilities and the legality of a series of last-minute presidential pardons. The tapes, aired by Axios, reveal Biden struggling with memory lapses, slurred speech, and long pauses—confirming earlier reports of mental decline during the final months of his presidency.

Conservative leaders argue that these revelations raise doubts about Biden’s capacity to authorize sweeping pardons and official documents signed via autopen—a device that mechanically replicates a person’s signature. House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer stated that “key decisions made in the final days of the Biden presidency… must be fully examined,” suggesting Biden lacked the mental competence to issue the pardons.

The pardons, many of which protected Biden family members and political allies such as Hunter Biden, General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the January 6 committee, are now at the center of a political and legal storm. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton called the pardons “not valid,” citing their vague language and absence of specific charges, and added that Biden should be prosecuted for misuse of power.

DOJ Accused of Withholding Evidence

Republican lawmakers accuse Attorney General Merrick Garland of concealing the tapes during Biden’s presidency. Although a transcript of the interview had been released, Garland urged the White House to claim executive privilege over the audio recordings, citing national security and investigative concerns. The DOJ’s refusal to release the tapes prompted a contempt vote in Congress in June 2024.

President Donald Trump responded forcefully on Truth Social, declaring Biden’s pardons “VOID” due to their execution by autopen, and accused Biden of not understanding what he signed. Trump further claimed that the real decision-makers in the White House must now be investigated, stating, “Whoever had control of the AUTOPEN is looking to be a bigger and bigger scandal.”

Fox News host Mark Levin joined the call for Garland to testify under oath, accusing him of using “lies and deceit” to suppress evidence that would have impacted the Democratic nomination process.

CNN coverage, which initially promoted the “cheap fakes” narrative to dismiss viral clips of Biden’s stumbles, has now shifted tone. Anchor Jake Tapper admitted the White House misled the public and cited instances where Biden struggled to recognize figures like George Clooney and required assistance from Barack Obama during public appearances.

Former Bush spokesperson Pete Seat highlighted contradictions between Biden’s public defense and private admissions, noting that Biden acknowledged knowingly retaining classified Afghanistan documents “for posterity,” while his lawyer claimed memory lapses were to blame.

Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, once a staunch Biden supporter, admitted concerns after Biden’s debate performance and acknowledged that his cancer diagnosis and public lapses warranted further scrutiny. He insisted, however, that he had seen no signs of prolonged cognitive failure in private conversations with Biden.

Critics argue the audio proves Biden was unfit to lead and allege a coordinated cover-up by the DOJ and White House. Comer confirmed that new hearings will begin targeting those involved in what he described as a deliberate attempt to conceal Biden’s decline and misuse of executive power.

“The American people deserve to know who was actually calling the shots in the Biden White House,” Comer said. “We’re going to bring the truth into the light.”