House Oversight Committee questions Jeff Zients on Biden's autopen pardons

In the United States, Jeff Zients, former chief of staff to President Joe Biden, appeared for questioning before the House Oversight Committee as part of an investigation into Biden's mental acuity and his use of an autopen to sign official documents, including pardons. The interview, which took place on September 18, 2025, marks the conclusion of the committee's probe into Biden's decision-making capacities during the latter part of his presidency. Zients, who held a pivotal role in Biden's administration, faced inquiries about his authorization of the autopen, its legitimacy, and Biden's awareness of the clemency decisions made in his final months in office. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized Zients' significance as a witness, indicating that he was instrumental in managing decisions in the Biden White House, particularly during the controversial lame-duck period when numerous pardons were issued. The committee's investigation began due to growing concerns regarding Biden's fitness for office, especially related to his mental and physical capabilities. Public discourse surrounding the use of the autopen, traditionally a legitimate method for presidents to sign documents, raised questions about whether Biden truly oversaw the pardons that were processed during his administration. These autopen actions involved a reported 4,245 clemency acts, almost all of which occurred in the last months of his presidency. Though Zients conveyed that he acted within the bounds of protocol, critics, including former President Donald Trump, contend that the autopen's deployment was inappropriate and question the authority under which the pardons were granted. As Zients shared insights with the House committee, several implications about executive responsibility and oversight within the Oval Office were explored, specifically regarding the relationship between presidential faculties and administrative decision-making during high-stakes moments in governance. Overall, Zients' testimony is expected to shed light on the inner workings of the Biden administration and its mechanisms for executing forgiveness and clemency orders while addressing concerns over transparency and executive accountability.