Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, made several statements on September 9, 2025, regarding Tuberous Sclerosis Complex advocacy and recent developments related to presidential pardons.

In a post at 17:53 UTC, Schmitt expressed support for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance and its work. He wrote, "The @tscalliance advocates for the devastating and rare disease, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, that impacts Americans like my son Stephen. I look forward to working with them to ensure research funding for TSC remains robust." The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance is an organization focused on supporting individuals affected by Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a rare genetic disorder characterized by the growth of benign tumors in multiple organs.

Later that day at 18:25 UTC, Schmitt addressed concerns about recent presidential pardons issued via autopen. He stated, "Newly released docs show: Biden's autopen pardons were likely invalid. Biden did not even attend the meetings where these pardons were approved. The autopen scandal continues to grow worse by the day. It is time to invalidate the pardons."

He continued his criticism in another post at 18:25 UTC, writing, "That's why in addition to Biden preemptively pardoning Hunter for his corruption and Anthony Fauci for his lies, there were clemency grants like this one: A drug dealer who murdered an 8-year-old and his mother."

Presidential pardons are legal instruments used by the President of the United States to forgive federal offenses or commute sentences. The use of an autopen—a device that reproduces signatures—has been a subject of debate when used in official capacities such as signing legislation or granting clemency. Questions have previously arisen over whether documents signed via autopen meet legal requirements if not accompanied by direct presidential involvement.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex affects approximately 1 in 6,000 live births and can lead to significant health challenges throughout life due to tumor growth in organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart, lungs, and skin.