Former President Joe Biden defended his administration’s use of the autopen, asserting he remains in full control of the White House throughout his presidency.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has initiated an investigation into what he claims is the misuse of automatic signatures in the Biden administration. He suggested that key officials are using this technology as a way to mask Biden’s cognitive decline.
“I have made decisions on pardons, executive orders, and other declarations,” Biden stated in a recent interview, reinforcing his executive authority.
He added, “This is simply a distraction from Trump and Congressional Republicans who are pushing through harmful legislation that cuts vital programs like Medicaid and raises costs for American families.”
In a memo, Trump emphasized the significance of a president’s signature, arguing it is essential for enacting laws, shaping policy, and making appointments.
Trump has accused Biden of abusing presidential powers by relying on autopen signatures.
“It’s becoming clearer that Biden’s aides are using autopen technology to conceal his cognitive issues while improperly wielding his authority,” Trump remarked, labeling this situation as one of the most alarming scandals in U.S. history. “While the public was kept in the dark about the management of enforcement actions, Biden’s name has appeared on thousands of documents, leading to transformative policy shifts.”
Trump further claimed that the use of autopens could jeopardize the legitimacy of executive actions made during Biden’s tenure. “Given the strong evidence suggesting that President Biden cannot effectively carry out his duties, his advisors are discreetly employing a mechanical signature to obscure this incompetence and execute significant policies in his name,” he said.
Trump conveyed through a White House fact sheet that Americans deserve transparency, wondering whether documents were genuinely signed by Biden and if not, who actually did sign them and under what conditions.
“You should find out who is operating that autopen,” Trump urged. “Regardless of who that individual is, they were acting in the role of the president. I believe the president should sign personally, not with an autopen.”
He questioned, “The real issue is, who ran the autopen? Because what was signed, in my view, was signed unlawfully.”
In response to the ongoing inquiry, Biden has faced scrutiny over whether his aides concealed any cognitive decline by using the autopen for policies.
Since his return to office, Trump has participated in numerous public signature ceremonies, and some media outlets have noted he is on track to become one of the most approachable presidents in recent memory.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer announced an escalation in the investigation into Biden’s health, stating he would seek interviews with five top White House officials, including former Chief of Staff Ron Crane and senior advisor Anita Dunn.
Comer had previously sent a letter requesting interviews with Biden’s doctor and several senior aides to support the investigation’s findings.
