The Biden Autopen Scandal Breaks WIDE OPEN

Unpacking the Biden Autopen Scandal

The episode opens with Shapiro dissecting a New York Times story about President Joe Biden’s use of an autopen device to sign clemency and pardon documents. While the headline suggested Biden personally made all clemency decisions before delegating the signing to the autopen, Shapiro highlights that the actual content reveals a far murkier picture. According to the Times, tens of thousands of emails from the Biden White House, recently turned over to the National Archives and under investigation by the Trump Justice Department, contain discussions about clemency decisions. However, the full scope of Biden’s involvement remains unclear.

Shapiro emphasizes a critical revelation buried deep in the article: Biden did not individually approve every name on the pardon lists, especially for broad categories like non-violent drug offenders. Instead, after setting general criteria, his aides compiled and adjusted the lists without his direct approval for each individual. The final versions were signed via autopen, a process his staff considered routine. This, Shapiro argues, is a scandal of immense proportions, suggesting that Biden was effectively not fully “sentient” or engaged in his presidential duties during his term. He contrasts this with historical precedents, such as Jimmy Carter’s blanket pardon of Vietnam draft dodgers, noting that Biden’s approach was more selective yet lacked personal oversight.

The implications, Shapiro contends, are profound. The president’s mental acuity and capacity to govern have been systematically obscured by aides, family members, and the media. He points to recent events, such as Biden’s personal doctor invoking the Fifth Amendment to avoid discussing the president’s mental state, as further evidence of a cover-up. The Trump administration’s ongoing investigation into the autopen’s use, including a presidential executive order directing scrutiny, underscores the seriousness of the issue. Shapiro calls this the biggest scandal of the last two decades, surpassing even Watergate in significance, yet it remains underreported and under-discussed.

The Epstein Scandal: Cover-Up or Misunderstanding?

Transitioning to the Jeffrey Epstein saga, Shapiro addresses the persistent public fascination and controversy surrounding alleged cover-ups. He outlines the conclusions reached by the Department of Justice and FBI: there is no verified “Epstein list” naming third parties involved in trafficking underage girls, Epstein’s death was a suicide, and there is no evidence he was an intelligence operative blackmailing powerful figures. Shapiro acknowledges the possibility of deception but stresses that the DOJ and FBI are the authorities who have reviewed the evidence.

He critiques former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for mishandling the public release of Epstein-related materials, particularly her decision to present binders of already public documents to social media influencers, which backfired and damaged credibility. Bondi’s subsequent accusations against FBI officials for withholding documents have sparked internal conflicts, notably with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bonino, who defends the bureau’s integrity.

Shapiro outlines two competing theories: either Bondi exaggerated the evidence and bungled the rollout, or the entire Trump administration, including Bondi, Trump himself, and other officials, is engaged in a massive cover-up of a child sex trafficking ring. He leans toward the former, citing his personal knowledge of key figures and their reputations.

The episode also critiques those who make vague accusations about shadowy conspiracies involving the CIA, MI6, or foreign governments without naming specific individuals or providing evidence. Shapiro calls out media personalities like Tucker Carlson for insinuating intelligence agency involvement—specifically Israel’s Mossad—without proof, noting that former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has categorically denied such claims. He challenges Carlson and others to either present evidence or stop making baseless allegations.

Shapiro praises those like comedian-turned-commentator Dave Smith for openly stating their beliefs about Trump’s alleged cover-up, contrasting this with Carlson’s reluctance to name names despite his close ties to the administration. He stresses the importance of transparency and accountability, urging Attorney General Bondi to hold a press conference to clarify what is known and unknown.

Political Dynamics and Media Critiques

Throughout the episode, Shapiro critiques the media and political figures on both sides of the aisle. He highlights the cynical politicking of Democrats like Congressman Ro Khanna, who demand the release of Epstein files now despite having had access during the Biden administration without taking action. He also notes the demoralizing effect of conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims on the conservative movement, particularly when prominent voices sow doubt without offering solutions.

Shapiro turns a critical eye on Tucker Carlson’s recent rhetoric, accusing him of undermining conservative victories by dismissing significant policy achievements as mere “appetizers” and failing to propose constructive solutions. He points out Carlson’s contradictory stance on issues like the Iran strike, immigration, and economic policy, noting that Carlson often avoids naming the president responsible for these actions, creating a sense of vague blame without accountability.

The episode also addresses Carlson’s controversial comments about Fox News being “anti-Christian,” which Shapiro disputes by citing the network’s frequent religious programming. He attributes Carlson’s critique to his own anti-Israel leanings, referencing a past interview with a Palestinian Authority-affiliated cleric who espouses anti-Israel views. Shapiro argues that Carlson’s approach contributes to a broader narrative of demoralization and division within conservative circles.

Trump Administration’s Policy Wins and Challenges

Despite the controversies, Shapiro underscores the Trump administration’s tangible policy successes. He highlights the passage of the “big beautiful bill” in Congress, which maintains tax rates and reforms Medicaid, and previews upcoming reconciliation bills aimed at further conservative priorities. He applauds efforts to downsize the State Department, framing it as a necessary reduction of the “deep state.”

On foreign policy, Shapiro notes the administration’s decisive actions, including the successful strike against Iran’s nuclear program, which he calls the most significant foreign policy achievement of his lifetime. He discusses plans to send advanced Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, emphasizing the strategic importance of these moves.

Shapiro also covers immigration policy, describing the creation of the Office of Immigration Policy designed to streamline temporary worker visas without granting amnesty. He contrasts this with left-wing resistance, citing examples of local officials in Los Angeles attempting to obstruct immigration enforcement, which he views as politically untenable.

The episode touches on the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt on President Trump, with Shapiro relaying Trump’s satisfaction with the investigation despite acknowledging security failures. He also references provocative comments from Iranian officials threatening Trump, underscoring ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Economic Perspectives and Responses to Criticism

Shapiro addresses economic concerns, noting increased interest in precious metals like gold amid uncertainty. He shares insights from investment expert Bill Ackman, who publicly refutes Tucker Carlson’s disparaging remarks about his wealth and success, providing a detailed account of his legitimate business achievements and distancing himself from Epstein.

The episode critiques narratives that portray the middle class as uniformly declining, explaining that economic shifts have seen growth in upper-income households rather than a wholesale collapse of the middle class. Shapiro challenges simplistic portrayals of economic hardship and calls for nuanced understanding.