In a stunning revelation that could reshape the political landscape, former President Joe Biden has staunchly defended his controversial use of an autopen to issue pardons at the end of his term, dismissing accusations from former President Trump and other Republicans as blatant lies. In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Biden asserted that he personally authorized all clemency decisions, countering claims that his aides acted without his knowledge.

The controversy erupted as Biden faced scrutiny over the legitimacy of over 4,000 pardons and commutations he issued, the highest number by any president. Critics, particularly from the Republican camp, are seizing the opportunity to question Biden’s mental acuity and the integrity of his administration, suggesting that the autopen’s use indicates a lack of direct involvement in critical decisions. Biden vehemently refuted these claims, stating, “I made every decision,” and emphasizing that the autopen was employed merely to manage the overwhelming volume of paperwork.

As the political firestorm intensifies, Biden’s defenders argue that the autopen has been a longstanding tool used by previous presidents to streamline processes. However, the implications of this revelation are profound, with potential ramifications for Biden’s legacy and the ongoing investigations by the House Oversight Committee into the administration’s actions.

This week, key figures from Biden’s inner circle, including former First Lady Jill Biden and senior adviser Anthony Bernal, are set to testify before the committee, raising the stakes in an already volatile political atmosphere. With the spotlight now firmly on the Biden administration’s practices, the fallout from this controversy is only just beginning, and the questions surrounding the legitimacy of his pardons could reverberate through the upcoming election cycle. As both sides brace for impact, the nation watches closely—what will be the next chapter in this unfolding drama?