House Speaker Mike Johnson wasted no time announcing a Congressional investigation into what he called Joe Biden’s “disgusting” and highly questionable last-minute pardons. At a House Republican press conference, Johnson didn’t hold back, tearing into the former president’s decision to hand out clemency to family members and high-profile officials as he exited the White House. The spectacle, according to Johnson, reeked of cronyism and a desperate attempt to cover tracks.
Johnson specifically took aim at the pardons granted to Biden’s brothers, sister, and in-laws, as well as prominent figures like Anthony Fauci and Gen. Mark Milley. For Johnson, the move was “breathtaking” in its audacity. Comparing it to past outrage over the mere suggestion that Donald Trump might issue similar pardons, Johnson highlighted the glaring double standard. Four years ago, when speculation swirled that Trump might pardon his allies, Democratic leaders like Adam Schiff and Chuck Schumer were apoplectic. Yet now, Johnson noted with a hint of sarcasm, those same figures are cheering Biden on for doing exactly what they claimed was “unconscionable.”
The House Speaker didn’t mince words when addressing the optics of Biden’s actions. Johnson referred to the pardons as a possible confirmation of longstanding allegations surrounding the so-called “Biden crime family.” If they weren’t guilty of anything, Johnson quipped, why would they need such sweeping clemency? He promised that the matter would not go unnoticed and that Congress would dig deeper into the implications of Biden’s move. Johnson’s remarks hinted at more than just outrage—they were a signal that Republicans are gearing up for a full-scale probe into what they view as a corrupt abuse of executive power.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, never one to let a political moment pass unremarked, took the opportunity to mock Biden’s failure to pardon himself. Speaking with Sean Hannity, Trump noted the irony of Biden issuing pardons to just about everyone in his inner circle but neglecting to include himself. Trump suggested that the omission could leave Biden vulnerable to legal trouble down the line, hinting that the former president’s own actions might come back to haunt him. It was classic Trump, blending mockery with a pointed reminder that Biden’s clemency spree could end up backfiring.
The controversy over Biden’s pardons has already set the stage for a heated political battle in Washington. For conservatives, the optics of a president shielding his family and allies in such a blatant way are impossible to ignore. Johnson’s vow to investigate underscores the determination among Republicans to hold Biden accountable for actions they see as emblematic of political favoritism and potential corruption. As the dust settles, the debate over Biden’s parting gifts is sure to remain a contentious flashpoint, adding fuel to an already polarized political landscape.
🚨BREAKING: Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that Congress will investigate Joe Biden’s pardons of his family members.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 22, 2025
FAUCI TOO.
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