Trump on Biden pardons: Ex-Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Jan. 6 committee member, fires back at claim that some pardons are invalid
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump’s claim that some pardons granted by former President Joe Biden are invalid have prompted a “bring it on” challenge by a former Illinois Congressman.

Adam Kinzinger fired back at the president on social media on Monday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Kinzinger has been a frequent critic of Trump, who, on numerous occasions, has blasted Kinzinger for his role as a member of the House select committee that investigated the Capital riot.

“I just saw that Trump is, like, threatening the January 6 committee again,” Kinzinger said in a video on X. “He’s more obsessed with like me and Liz Cheney than his freaking golf score. Hey, Trump, bring it on, dude.”

Kinzinger and Cheney were the two Republicans who served on the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021 uprising at the Capitol. Before leaving the White House, Biden preemptively pardoned all the members of the committee.

SEE ALSO | Cheney, Schiff push back after Trump says Jan. 6 committee members should be jailed

Trump attacked those pardons on social media, declaring them “VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen.”

“The president, under Article Two, Section Two of the Constitution, has the plenary power to pardon. What does that mean? Nobody can restrict it, regulate it, take it away,” said Chicago Kent College of Law Constitutional Law Prof Emeritus Doug Godfrey.

“The whole subject of auto pen, did he know what he was doing, did he authorize it?” Trump said in a video on Truth Social. “But to sign pardons and all of the things that he signed with an auto pen is disgraceful.”

The president insinuated, without any facts, that Biden may not have been mentally competent to sign the committee pardons and suggested they were invalid because of that.

READ MORE | Illinois Congressman recalls Jan. 6 attack 4 years later as local defendants seek pardons from Trump

“And this idea that he says because it was signed by auto pen, it’s not valid, ridiculous. The Constitution says the president shall grant pardons. It doesn’t say sign them. It doesn’t say endorse them,” Godfrey said.

Kinzinger doubled down on his pardon poke at the president.

“But bring it man. Like, stop with all the big mouth, talking stuff. You’re a grown man; you don’t talk like one, but you’re a grown man. Come on, dude. Bring it,” Kinzinger said,

In another written post, Kinzinger called Trump’s comments threatening the pardons a desperate but ultimately meaningless bluff.

There is no sign of any response on social media from the president.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Mother of TV news anchor, 30, reveals way she found out daughter died

Mother of 30-Year-Old TV News Anchor Shares Heartbreaking Discovery of Her Daughter’s Passing

The heart-wrenching tragedy involving a Louisiana sports reporter, Carley McCord, has left…
Brown University implements campus-wide security overhaul after mass shooting leaves 2 dead, 9 wounded

Brown University Initiates Comprehensive Security Revamp Following Tragic Mass Shooting Resulting in 2 Fatalities and 9 Injuries

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Brown University on…
Prince William and Kate Middleton release never-before-seen family snaps from 2025

Exclusive: Prince William and Kate Middleton Unveil Rare Family Photos from 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Prince William and Kate Middleton have…
China launches largest military drills off Taiwan in 8 months with live-fire exercises caught on camera

China Conducts Major Military Drills Near Taiwan, Captured in Live-Fire Footage

On Tuesday, China conducted a significant military exercise by firing rockets into…
Truth about Mounjaro and its dreaded side-effects...

Unveiling Mounjaro: What You Need to Know About Potential Side Effects

Just a year ago, I embarked on my journey with Mounjaro. At…
Minnesota's new Medicaid fraud prevention fix won't make 'any difference,' former FBI agent says

Ex-FBI Agent Critiques Effectiveness of Minnesota’s Latest Medicaid Fraud Prevention Plan

Minnesota is ramping up efforts to secure its Medicaid payments by introducing…
I was a California girl forced into Saudi Arabian servitude

California Woman Recounts Harrowing Experience of Forced Servitude in Saudi Arabia

Elise Martin had just celebrated her 20th birthday. To fellow shoppers at…
Kate and William share some of their favourite unseen photos from 2025

Kate and William Reveal Exclusive Unseen Photos from 2025: A Sneak Peek into Royal Life

Princess Catherine and Prince William have delighted fans by unveiling a previously…