Latest news with #pardon
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Biden Calls BS on ‘Liar' Trump's Autopen Conspiracy Theory
Former President Joe Biden once again weighed in on his successor's wild autopen conspiracy theory. In a new interview with The New York Times, Biden shut down President Donald Trump's claims that his presidential aides were secretly running the show via autopen near the end of his term. Trump has repeatedly floated theories that Biden's declining mental cognition allowed those in his circle to grant pardons and commutations on his behalf. 'I made every single one of those,' Biden said of the clemency decisions. 'I understand why Trump would think that, because obviously, I guess, he doesn't focus much. Anyway, so—yes, I made every decision.' In March, Trump speculated in a late-night Truth Social post that the pardons of his perceived political enemies, including former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, were issued 'without the knowledge or consent' of Biden because they were done by autopen. 'Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them!' Trump wrote. 'The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later had to walk back Trump's comments, branding the pardons 'void, vacant, and of no further force or effect.' Biden said he used an autopen simply 'because there were a lot of them.' Aside from the pardons, he also issued commutations that protected about 1,500 people serving home confinement since the pandemic from having to return to prison; reduced the sentences of around 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders; and granted life without parole for 37 of the 40 inmates on death row, according to The Times. 'The autopen is legal,' Biden said. 'As you know, other presidents used it, including Trump. But the point is that, you know, we're talking about a whole lot of people.' Biden explained that he orally communicated his decisions to his aides, who read him a list of names and asked him what he wanted to do with each one. 'I was deeply involved,' he said. 'I laid out a strategy how I want to go about these, dealing with pardons and commutations. I was—and I pulled the team in to say this is how I want to get it done generically and then specifically. And so, you know, that's just—this is how it worked.' Biden also said he granted preemptive pardons to his own family members because he knew that Trump would go after them. 'I know how vindictive he is. I mean, everybody knows how vindictive he is. So we knew that they'd do what they're doing now,' Biden said with a laugh. 'All it would do is, if he went after them, is run up legal bills. I just know how he operates.' The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into Biden's use of the autopen. Last week, Biden's physician Kevin O'Connor fueled conspiracy theories over the former president's mental acuity by pleading the Fifth Amendment after he was called to testify behind closed doors. Biden, however, remained defiant when asked about Trump and other Republicans' claims that he was incapacitated near the end of his term, allowing his aides to abuse the autopen. 'They're liars. They know it,' he said. 'They've done so badly. They've lied so consistently about almost everything they're doing. The best thing they can do is try to change the focus and focus on something else... I think that's what this is about.'
The Independent
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Yemen postpones execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya on death row
The execution of an Indian nurse who is on death row in Yemen has been postponed at the eleventh hour amid negotiations for a pardon. Nimisha Priya, 38, from the southern Indian state of Kerala, was found guilty of murdering her business partner in 2017 and was sentenced to death in 2020. Priya has denied killing Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national who co-owned a clinic with her in Sanaa and whose chopped-up remains were found in a water tank. The Indian foreign ministry sources said the government "made concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for the family of Ms Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party'. The ministry's officials had been in regular contact with Yemeni jail authorities and the prosecutor's office there. The postponement of the sentencing is only a temporary relief for Priya, as only a pardon by the victim's family can save her from the imminent execution. According to Yemen's Islamic judicial system, murder, drug trafficking, apostasy, adultery, and same-sex relations are punished by death and it allows a murder convict to be pardoned by the victim's kin in exchange for diyat, or 'blood money '. Her family in India has said they have already raised $1m (£735,000) and offered the money to Mahdi's family, which is reluctant to pardon her. Samuel Jerome Baskaran, a social worker who has been negotiating on behalf of the nurse with Yemeni officials and the victim's family, said the postponement came after the ruler of the Al Wasab region met the president of Yemen on Friday on his request while the Indian government also got involved, according to The Indian Express. He said a plea from Priya's mother, Prema Kumari, requesting a postponement, was formally submitted. On Saturday, the president of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi consented to defer the execution, he said, adding that a directive not to disclose further details about the case or the postponement, possibly was issued due to its sensitivity. 'The final step (to stop the execution) is the consent from the Talal family. The key to Nimisha's life rests with the family of Talal. They have to forgive her, and our job is to convince the family to forgive her,' he said. Mahdi's family have said they only want to implement God's Law in Qisas, which means retaliation in kind and said they have suffered from the brutal crime. His brother, Abdelfattah Mahdi, told BBC Arabic that they have suffered at the hands of the exhausting litigation process and called it a 'horrible and heinous' crime case. "Any dispute, whatever its reasons and however big, can never justify a murder – let alone dismembering, mutilating and hiding the body." Priya arrived in Yemen to work as a nurse in 2008. She launched a clinic in partnership with Mehdi, in line with Yemeni law that required foreign entrepreneurs to collaborate with citizens. However, she was arrested in 2017 after Mahdi was murdered and his body was found in a tank. Her family previously alleged that Priya faced mental, physical and financial abuse at his hands. She had even filed a police complaint against him in 2016, leading to his brief arrest. He allegedly resumed threatening her after getting out. In 2020, a local court sentenced her to death. The decision was challenged in the Supreme Court but the appeal was rejected in 2023. The nurse's mother, a domestic worker in Kochi city, has been in Yemen for the past year trying to save her daughter.
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Teresa Giudice's daughter Gia backtracks on dad Joe's pardon plea after backlash
Gia Giudice has broken her silence over the backlash she received after her plea to President Donald Trump to pardon her father Joe. The media personality, 24, shared a video on the Fourth of July to ask the current president to allow her dad back into the U.S. - after he was deported in 2019 to his home country of Italy following his fraud conviction. Gia's clip came amid Joe's own pleas in recent months and shortly after Trump pardoned both Todd and Julie Chrisley in May after the pair served prison time for tax evasion and bank fraud. However, the daughter of Teresa and Joe Giudice garnered criticism for the timing of her video - with some calling her out for posting it amid the ongoing ICE raids and others labeling it 'privilege at it's finest.' While making an appearance at the Next Gen event in NYC on Wednesday, Gia admitted that she 'felt so bad' for when she uploaded the reel and also offered an apology. 'I apologize for posting that on the Fourth of July,' the star told People. 'I got so much c**p for that. I felt so bad.' She explained that she filmed the plea the day before the holiday and said she 'didn't want to let my dad down because I told him that the video was done. 'And when I tell him things, he expects it - like, you know, an Italian household, it better be done the next day. It better be done right away.' The following day on the Fourth of July, she chose to post the clip not long after she woke up in the morning. Gia recalled the comment section quickly filling up and directly addressed some that called her 'privileged.' 'And I'm not privileged, I'm not entitled. The first thing on my mind that morning was just getting a point across and not disappointing my dad. That was really it.' The star then expressed that she felt like she couldn't take down the clip due to the criticism because it 'also just looked bad.' Gia continued, 'That's why you always have to be cautious when you post and what you post and the time of day. But I did feel really bad about that, but I'm also happy that the message is getting out there.' She reflected on being in the public eye - and its affect amid her mom Teresa and dad Joe's divorce and their prison sentences back in 2014. 'You just always try to do the right thing, but you're always going to be, I guess, judged from your parents' actions or things that they've done in the past.' The clip she posted on the Fourth of July holiday was captioned with, 'let's bring Joe Giudice; my father home together♥️ #bringjoehome.' Gia also tagged Trump as well as the White House and her father. The reel showed the TV personality writing a letter to President Trump and then going to a post office to send it. Over 10 years earlier, Teresa and Joe Giudice were both sentenced to prison after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud as well as three types of bankruptcy fraud. The RHONJ star served 11 months behind bars and Joe was deported back to his home country of Italy and currently resides in the Bahamas. During the course of the clip, Gia could be heard saying: 'Hi guys, my name is Gia Giudice. I'm the daughter of Joe Giudice and today I'm using my voice for something deeply personal. 'My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be, the absence of a father, of a parent, it's something that never stops hurting.' She added, 'Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday. He was our provider, our protector, and he still is, just now from thousands of miles away. 'Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families can be restored and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace.' In May, Todd and Julie Chrisley were notably released from prison just one day after Trump pardoned the pair. Back in 2022, the pair were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $30 million. Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison - which she had been serving in the state of Kentucky. Her husband Todd was sentenced to 12 years and had been serving his own sentence in Florida. Gia said, 'That gave me hope. Hope that maybe my dad could come home too. A pardon would mean more than just legal forgiveness. 'It would mean healing for my sisters, for my mom, for my family, and for me. We've missed birthdays, graduations, even the small moments that matter the most.' She further expressed, 'This isn't just about one man. It's about a family who deserves to be whole again. I'm using my platform to speak not just as a public figure, but as a daughter who deeply misses her dad. 'We are not asking for sympathy, we're asking for a second chance. So, let's bring Joe home together. President Donald J. Trump, I really hope you receive these character letters about my dad Joe Giudice.' Not long after she uploaded the post, the comment section was filled with both criticism and positive messages. One penned, 'He didn't pay his taxes. He broke the law and then was living here illegally. The Nerve of privilege.' Another wrote, 'Are you currently aware of whats going on with immigration at the moment in this country? Smh.' 'This is rather tone deaf considering your father committed a white collar crime and got deported but people are getting deported and sent God Knows Where without even having criminal records,' a fan shared. 'Your fans want you to use your influence to help the less fortunate and I don't blame anyone for not having sympathy for your father who is dealing with consequences based off of choices he MADE,' they added. Gia also garnered support from others, such as her mom Teresa who shared red heart emojis and Savannah Chrisley who typed, 'I'm so proud of you.' One commented, 'Get out of her comments with the negativity it's her Father for goodness sake.' 'This is the love of a daughter fighting for her dad and no matter anyone's opinion she has the right to forgive his mistakes and try to being him home,' another penned. Joe has also been sharing his own pleas on social media and last month in June, also shared a direct post which he tagged President Trump in. 'I know I made mistakes - but I did my time. And my family has done the time with me ever since. It's been almost ten years since I've been able to stand next to my girls in the U.S.' He added, 'All I want is the chance to come back home, hug my daughters, and be there for the little things dads are supposed to be there for. 'Mr. President, if you see this, I hope you hear me. I'm just asking for a second chance to be the father I promised to be. @realdonaldtrump. Thanks to everyone who's supporting me - you give me hope every day.' Joe shares four children with ex-wife Teresa: Gia, 24, Gabriella, 20, Milania, 19, and Audriana, 15. Earlier this week on Saturday, he shared another post about wanting a second chance after 'already missing too much.' He wrote, 'I know I made mistakes - but I did my time. And my family has done the time with me ever since. It's been almost ten years since I've been able to stand next to my girls in the U.S.' He shared, 'Every father deserves to stand beside his daughters. I've already missed too much. Things like birthdays, graduations, even just simple dinners like this. 'Moments like these aren't guaranteed, and I'm fighting every day to be there for more of them. Thank you for sharing our story and keeping hope alive. One post, one share, one prayer at a time - we're getting closer.' In the snap accompanied with his message, Joe could be seen flashing a cheerful smile while surrounded by his four daughters. RHONJY alum Siggy Flicker - who was appointed by Trump to be on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council - has since commented that she is doing her best to help. 'I'm trying. Joe should be back home with his beautiful daughters!!!!!!'
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
White House slaps down furious effort by Ghislaine Maxwell's fringe allies to lobby Trump for a pardon
The White House dismissed any suggestion that President Donald Trump would pardon Jeffery Epstein's onetime girlfriend and employee Ghislaine Maxwell. A growing fringe effort to get Trump to pardon Maxwell is unfolding after the Justice Department rejected her effort to have her conviction on child sex trafficking charges thrown out. But the White House quickly slapped down suggestions that Trump is seriously considering letting Maxwell off the hook. 'There have been no discussions or consideration of a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, and there never will be,' a senior White House official told the Daily Mail. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Florida after she was convicted in June 2022 for conspiring with her boss Epstein in the sexual exploitation of minors. The Justice Department's statement last week, conceding that there was no 'incriminating client list' of Epstein's, sparked questions about Maxwell's prison sentence from people online. 'I'll be pushing for a retrial or a pardon until it happens,' wrote writer Jessica Reed Kraus of the popular Substack houseinhabit on Instagram. Kraus wrote extensively about the trial in 2022 and attended court hearings. 'Everyone should wonder why one woman is serving 20 years for trafficking minors to no one,' she wrote. 'FREE GHISLAINE MAXWELL!' wrote one person on social media, questioning why she was in prison if there was no client list. 'WHY is she in Prison then?' It's unclear how popular the idea for a pardon for Maxwell is with the general public. A petition demanding Maxwell's freedom has only received 153 verified signatures. A Daily Mail report revealing that Maxwell would be willing to testify to Congress about the case against Epstein also sparked calls for her freedom. 'FREE GHISLAINE MAXWELL,' wrote Jason Reza Jorjani on social media. 'She says she's willing to testify under oath before Congress to reveal what Epstein was really doing, for who, and why. Free Ghislaine in exchange for the names and details regarding the most prominent members of the client list that she can remember.' Other Trump allies expressed interest in hearing Maxwell's testimony, without calling for a pardon. 'Personally, I like the news that Epstein's pimp Maxwell is ready to testify before Congress. Bill and Hillary are going to be very embarrassed. She has nothing on Trump,' wrote longtime political operative Roger Stone. Maxwell has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing she deserves a new trial. Maxwell's lawyers argued she shouldn't have been put on trial in the first place because of the plea deal Epstein reached with Florida prosecutors in 2008. 'With all the talk about who's being prosecuted and who isn't, it's especially unfair that Ghislaine Maxwell remains in prison based on a promise the government made and broke,' Maxwell's attorney David Oscar Markus stated. The Justice Department recommended the Supreme Court not take up Maxwell's appeal on the basis of Epstein's 2007 non-prosecution agreement. 'That contention is incorrect, and petitioner does not show that it would succeed in any court of appeals,' wrote U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Biden chief of staff reportedly gave approval for autopen pardons on final day in office
Former President Joe Biden's chief of staff issued final approval for multiple high-profile preemptive pardons during Biden's final days in office, according to a new report. Biden's alleged use of the autopen has become a sticking point for months, as President Donald Trump has said thousands of pardons Biden signed were void and claimed that the former president did not know what documents he was signing through the automated device. Biden issued a series of preemptive pardons on his final day to officials including former Chief Medical Advisor to the President, Anthony Fauci, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley in an attempt to safeguard them from retribution from Trump. In an article intended to be his defense for the autopen issue, it emerged that, although Biden reportedly made the decision in a meeting, Biden's Chief of Staff Jeff Zients is the one who gave final approval for the use of the autopen, at least in the case of Fauci and Milley, the New York Times reported. WHAT IS AN AUTOPEN? THE SIGNING DEVICE AT THE HEART OF TRUMP'S ATTACKS ON BIDEN PARDONS On Biden's final day as president, Jan. 19, Biden had a meeting with his aides until nearly 10 p.m. to talk about various preemptive pardons, the Times reports. Emails obtained by the Times show that an aide sent a summary draft of the decisions formalized during that meeting to Zient's assistant at 10:03 p.m. The assistant sent the email to Zients and others present in the meeting, requesting approval from Zients and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed at 10:28 p.m., the Times reported. Zients replied all to the email three minutes later, the outlet said. "I approve the use of the autopen for the execution of all of the following pardons," Zients said in the email, according to the Times. Zients could not be immediately reached for comment by Fox News Digital. Additionally, the Times report said that Biden did not personally approve each name included in the broad, categorical pardons. "Rather, after extensive discussion of different possible criteria, he signed off on the standards he wanted to be used to determine which convicts would qualify for a reduction in sentence," the Times reported. In response, the White House said that the report shed light on Biden's trustworthiness, and accused the Biden administration of engaging in a cover-up scheme. TRUMP CLAIMS BIDEN PARDONS ARE 'VOID,' ALLEGING THEY WERE SIGNED VIA AUTOPEN "The same president who lied through his teeth to the American people for four years about everything from his health to the state of the economy should not be trusted again," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in an email to Fox News. "The Biden administration conducted the most egregious cover-up scheme in American politics … The truth will come out about who was, in fact, running the country sooner or later, just as the truth is emerging about the state of Joe Biden's cognitive and physical health." Biden granted a total of 4,245 acts of clemency during his administration, 96% of which were granted during his final months in office between October 2024 and January, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump first accused Biden of using an autopen to sign important clemency documents in March. He has continued to bring up the issue, and sent a memo ordering Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch an investigation into Biden's autopen use in June, and to probe if the usage stemmed from a decline in Biden's mental acuity. "In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that Biden's aides abused the power of presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden's cognitive decline and assert Article II authority," Trump wrote in the memo. BIDEN'S 'AUTOPEN SIGNATURE' APPEARS ON MOST OFFICIAL DOCS, RAISING CONCERNS OVER WHO CONTROLLED THE WH: REPORT "This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Biden's signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts." A White House official previously told Fox News Digital that Trump uses his hand signature for every legally operational or binding document. Even so, Trump has admitted that he uses an autopen for letters. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP An autopen is a machine that physically holds a pen and features programming to imitate a person's signature. Unlike a stamp or a digitized print of a signature, the autopen has the capability to hold various types of pens like a ballpoint to a permanent marker, according to descriptions of autopen machines available for purchase. Fox News' Andrea Margolis and Pat Ward contributed to this report.
