A top aide to former President Joe Biden, Jeff Zients, told the House Oversight Committee that some of the most controversial “autopen” pardons were approved by another staffer using Biden’s email credentials. Zients also revealed that Hunter Biden, the president’s son and a pardon recipient himself, took part in discussions about presidential pardons.

According to Axios, Zients described Biden’s mental state as declining during the final years of his presidency, noting that the president often struggled to remember dates and names and required multiple briefings before making decisions. Jill Biden reportedly advised Zients to adjust Joe Biden’s schedule to allow for more rest, and Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini recommended reducing Biden’s workload, including limiting travel and avoiding stairs.

Zients admitted Biden’s speech difficulties worsened with age and that his memory issues became more pronounced during the administration. Hunter Biden was reportedly present during White House meetings concerning pardons, including the blanket pardons issued to several family members in Biden’s final hours in office. Hunter himself received a full pardon in December 2024.

On January 17, 2025, Biden approved nearly 2,500 commutations—an all-time single-day record. Zients said he did not personally authorize autopen use but had a staffer with email access send the approvals on his behalf.

This testimony is part of a House Oversight investigation led by Chairman James Comer into the legality and secrecy surrounding Biden’s use of the autopen and his mental fitness. Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently testified as part of the probe.