CNN Anchor Shuts Down Defense of Trump's Pardon Claims

Trump's Autopen Allegation Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump claimed without evidence that former President Joe Biden used an autopen to sign pardons, making them "null and void." 
Trump doubled down on this assertion in a Truth Social post, declaring the pardons "VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT." Despite the lack of proof, Trump's supporters quickly rallied behind the claim, fueling speculation across conservative media and social platforms.
CNN's Abby Phillip was having none of Trump's claims and criticized a guest on NewsNight who defended the president's accusations. 
Here's what happened…
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Supporters Attempt to Justify the Claim

During an appearance on the program, conservative commentator Carrie Sheffield attempted to defend Donald Trump's statement by linking it to concerns about Joe Biden's cognitive health. 
She argued that Biden's alleged mental decline could indicate he was unaware of the pardons, citing instances where Biden appeared disoriented in public. 
However, host Abby Phillip repeatedly pressed Sheffield for concrete evidence linking Biden's cognition to the alleged use of an autopen, which Sheffield failed to provide.

Fact-Checking the Autopen Conspiracy

There is reportedly no verifiable evidence that Joe Biden used an autopen for any of his pardons without his knowledge. The autopen — a device used by presidents and officials for routine signatures — has been legally recognized for decades. 
Presidents from George W. Bush to Barack Obama and Donald Trump himself have all used autopens to sign documents. Legal experts have dismissed Trump's claim, noting that even if an autopen were used, it would not invalidate the pardons unless there were proof of Biden's unawareness or lack of authorization.

Social Media Reactions

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk raised concerns over President Joe Biden's use of an autopen to sign recent pardons, suggesting that if Biden were not physically capable of signing them himself, the pardons should be invalidated. "We can't have a shadow government running the country!" Kirk posted on social media, echoing broader right-wing skepticism over the administration's handling of executive authority.
The debate intensified when Donald Trump weighed in, reportedly declaring Biden's pardons "VOID" and fueling speculation of an "autopen conspiracy." 
The claim was met with mockery from critics, including the progressive group MeidasTouch, which quipped, "Next, he'll claim Air Force One is actually a hologram."
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, however, called for an immediate investigation. "A fraudulently signed pardon is no pardon at all," she asserted, signaling potential Republican efforts to scrutinize Biden's executive actions further.

The Broader Implications of Trump's Claim

Critics claim Donald Trump's baseless accusation highlights his ongoing strategy of undermining the legitimacy of Joe Biden's presidency. 
By casting doubt on the validity of Biden's actions, Trump continues to engage his base with narratives of corruption and incompetence.