Former President Joe Biden recently clarified the use of autopens during his administration in an interview, addressing the controversy surrounding the technology.
During this conversation with the New York Times, Biden discussed utilizing an automatic pen for his last presidential pardon at the end of his time in office.
In those final weeks, he stated that he granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals, making it the most substantial day-long action taken by a president in the U.S.
Biden mentioned, “I made all the decisions” about these pardons. Yet, reports suggest that he “did not individually approve each name” in the broad category of those receiving amnesty.
According to the Times, after considerable discussions about the standards to apply, Biden signed off on the criteria for determining who would qualify for sentence reductions.
Instead of repeatedly asking Biden to sign the latest official documents, his team opted to use an autopen for his signature on the final drafts.
This explanation came in the wake of Republican criticism regarding his frequent use of autopens on official paperwork.
In June, former President Trump directed his administration to investigate the use of autopens, questioning whether it was tied to Biden’s cognitive abilities.
Trump remarked, “It’s become increasingly evident that aides to Biden have relied on autopens to conceal his decline and misuse presidential authority,” labeling it one of the most dangerous scandals in U.S. history.
Trump also expressed that while past presidents have used autopens, he considers it inappropriate, stating, “When essential documents are presented, a genuine signature should be used.” He emphasized that individuals who have dedicated years of service, like ambassadors, deserve the authenticity of a real signature, not an autopen.
