Former President Joe Biden has ignited a political firestorm by defending his controversial use of an autopen to issue pardons at the end of his term, as reported by The New York Times. In a bold interview, Biden vehemently rejected claims from former President Donald Trump and other Republicans that his aides executed this process without his explicit authorization, labeling them “liars.”

Biden asserted that he orally approved all pardons and commutations, totaling over 4,000, claiming the autopen was necessary due to the sheer volume of documents. “I made every decision,” he insisted, pushing back against allegations questioning his mental acuity and control during his presidency. Critics, however, remain unconvinced, suggesting the use of the autopen raises serious questions about the decision-making processes within the Biden White House.

The political ramifications are already unfolding. Republican leaders are seizing on this narrative, suggesting a potential cover-up and demanding further investigation. Biden’s former aides have come to his defense, arguing that the autopen is a tool used by previous presidents to manage extensive paperwork efficiently. Nonetheless, the timing of Biden’s interview—amid ongoing inquiries into his administration—has many questioning whether he is trying to deflect attention from deeper issues.

As the House Oversight Committee prepares to interview key figures, including Biden’s senior adviser, the stakes are escalating. The political landscape is charged, with repercussions that could reverberate into the upcoming election cycle. Biden’s defense may have opened a Pandora’s box, and lawmakers are poised to dig deeper into the operations of his administration. The nation is watching as this unfolding saga threatens to reshape the political narrative ahead of the 2024 elections.