Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin examines a series of controversial presidential pardons granted by Joe Biden during his final hours in office.

According to Daily Caller, Martin announced Monday his office is investigating potential corruption surrounding Biden's eleventh-hour pardons issued to family members and January 6 Select Committee members moments before President Donald Trump's inauguration.

The sweeping pardons covered Biden's son Hunter, his brothers James and Frank, and various in-laws, protecting them from prosecution for any crimes committed within specific timeframes.

The pardons also extended unprecedented immunity to former Republican Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for their work on the January 6 committee.

Hunter Biden pardon sparks corruption concerns

Martin expressed particular interest in the precise timing and specific nature of the pardons during his discussion with Daily Caller editorial director Vince Coglianese. The interim U.S. Attorney drew parallels to previous controversial pardons while highlighting unique aspects of Biden's actions.

Martin shared his perspective on the investigation:

It looks at least like something that could be corrupt. When [former President] Bill Clinton pardoned Mark Rich, and it turned out that Mark Rich had paid a boat load of money to one of Clinton's friend's lawyers. That's not corrupt, it's not criminal, because the plenary power of the pardon. But in the case of Joe Biden and his pardons, they were so specific. Back 14 years, covering everything you've ever done. And when I say specific, they were broad, but they had time stuff on them.

The investigation focuses heavily on Hunter Biden's pardon, which shields him from prosecution for any crimes committed between January 2014 and December 2024.

This broad immunity covers his overseas business dealings, gun possession conviction, and pending tax crime charges.

Family business dealings under scrutiny

James Biden's pardon particularly interests investigators due to his connections to Hunter's international business ventures.

The former president's brother had been linked to several controversial overseas dealings that raised ethical concerns during Biden's presidency.

Frank Biden's pardon has also drawn attention following his use of his brother's presidential inauguration to promote his Florida law firm. The promotion specifically related to a lawsuit against sugar farmers, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

These pardons effectively shield all immediate family members from any potential legal consequences related to their business activities during Biden's presidency and the preceding years.

January 6 committee members receive unprecedented protection

Biden's decision to grant preemptive pardons to Select Committee members represents an unusual extension of presidential pardon power.

The move provides broad immunity to former Representatives Cheney and Kinzinger specifically for their investigative work.

This unprecedented protection covers all activities related to their roles on the committee, which conducted extensive investigations into the events of January 6, 2021. Both former representatives have reportedly accepted the pardons.

Current investigation status and next steps

Martin's office continues to examine the circumstances surrounding these pardons, with particular focus on their timing and specificity. The investigation has already received responses from some involved parties, though details remain confidential.

The probe centers on potential corruption in the pardon process despite acknowledging the president's broad constitutional authority to grant pardons.

Investigators are particularly interested in the detailed timeframes specified in the pardons and any possible connections to overseas business dealings.