Fiery challenge that’s sending shockwaves through the political world, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) has dared Donald Trump to make good on his threats and arrest him. The outspoken Trump critic called out the former president after Trump declared that many of President Joe Biden’s pardons were “VOID.”
Trump’s latest claim stems from unverified allegations that Biden used an autopen to sign pardons before leaving office. Despite no constitutional prohibition on the practice—and previous presidents like Barack Obama using it—Trump insists those pardons should be invalidated. Among those pardoned? Kinzinger himself.
Appearing on CNN, Kinzinger didn’t hold back. “I’m trying to figure out what he’s trying to distract from,” he told Jake Tapper. “Or maybe he hasn’t felt like he’s gotten enough attention. But look, Jake. It’s like, bring it on.”
The controversy started when the Oversight Project, part of the conservative Heritage Foundation, questioned the legitimacy of Biden’s signed documents. Right-wing media quickly latched onto the claim, pushing the narrative that these pardons—including those protecting members of the House committee that investigated Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot—should be overturned.
Legal experts, however, have debunked Trump’s argument, pointing to rulings as far back as 1868 affirming that a presidential pardon is final once delivered. Even memos from the Justice Department in 1929 and 2005 confirm that a handwritten signature isn’t required.
Still, Trump—who himself admitted to using an autopen for official documents—continues to fan the flames. But Kinzinger is calling his bluff.
“We made it very clear what happened on Jan. 6. America made a decision. And there is one person obsessed with the sixth because he’s been deemed guilty in the court of public opinion, and that’s Donald Trump,” Kinzinger said. “And he can’t handle it. He obsesses about it.”
Then came the direct challenge: “So my reaction to him is like, you know what? Then bring it! Stop talking about it. Stop pretending like you’re tough. Bring the charges then if you really want to do it, because we will crush you in court.”
Kinzinger’s taunt adds to the growing tension as Trump faces multiple legal battles of his own. With the former president’s history of making bold claims without following through, will he actually take action against one of his most vocal GOP critics? Or is this just another case of political theater?
