Chairman Comer backs DOJ probe into Biden’s pardons as House widens inquiry into ex-president’s cognitive state.

House and DOJ Zero In on Final-Stage White House Decisions

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is intensifying his investigation into the mental and physical condition of former President Joe Biden, as the Department of Justice opens a parallel probe into sweeping pardons issued during Biden’s final months in office.

In a statement, Comer said the DOJ was “right to open a probe into the potential unauthorized use of autopen at the Biden White House for sweeping pardons and other executive actions.” The investigation centers on whether Biden was mentally competent during his time in office and whether close aides improperly executed powers on his behalf.

The House Oversight Committee launched its own inquiry last month, targeting five former senior Biden administration officials, including Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor. Comer confirmed that communication is ongoing with legal representatives for these individuals but indicated that subpoenas could be issued if voluntary cooperation fails.

“The House Oversight Committee is investigating the cover-up of President Biden’s mental decline and will be talking soon with a large group of former administration and campaign officials, under subpoena if necessary,” Comer stated. “We welcome the DOJ’s additional efforts to ensure accountability.”

Focus on Use of Autopen and Executive Authority

The DOJ probe, according to internal reports, is focused on whether sweeping presidential pardons—some allegedly finalized with autopen, a machine that replicates a signature—were authorized by Biden or carried out without his full awareness.

Of particular concern are pardons granted during Biden’s final days in office, including one for his son, Hunter Biden. The decision contradicted earlier public assurances that no such pardon would occur. The legality of using an autopen for actions of constitutional magnitude, like pardons, is also under legal scrutiny.

Comer’s committee emphasized the potential implications of aides allegedly “usurping authority” from the president. Letters sent to former officials detail concerns that staff may have intentionally concealed signs of Biden’s “rapidly worsening mental and physical faculties.”

Reports have emerged of Biden struggling to recall names of longtime allies and appearing distracted in meetings. While such concerns were largely dismissed prior to the 2024 presidential debate, public and political discourse shifted sharply afterward, as high-profile lapses became more frequent.

Biden, who last month revealed a stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, recently told reporters he remains “optimistic.” The announcement has only deepened questions about his final decisions in office and the role of those around him.

As legal and congressional reviews progress, both the DOJ and the House Oversight Committee appear committed to examining not just the legality of Biden’s actions, but also the broader issue of executive authority and decision-making capacity during the final phase of his presidency.