Investigation into Biden’s Use of Autopen Yields No Evidence
The chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, announced on Wednesday that the committee’s probe into former President Joe Biden’s autopen usage has not uncovered any evidence suggesting Biden was aware of who was operating the device or what documents were being signed.
A report from the New York Times highlighted that, during a session on Sunday, Biden acknowledged using the autopen to approve pardons and other documents toward the end of his presidency. Comer noted that two former aides from the Biden administration interviewed by the committee did not provide proof that Biden understood the workings of the autopen or the specifics of the documents being signed on his behalf. He mentioned this during an appearance on “American Agenda.”
“After two complete interviews, we haven’t seen any evidence so far,” Comer stated. “We’ve tried to conduct two depositions, but witnesses invoked their rights against self-incrimination.” He stressed the seriousness of the situation: “At this point, there’s no indication that Joe Biden knows who is using the autopen or what they are signing. This presents a significant constitutional dilemma, putting at risk all the pardons and executive orders he’s signed.”
In related developments, Biden’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, also invoked the Fifth Amendment during a deposition on July 9.
Comer further elaborated, “We’ve given individuals within the Biden administration, like Anthony Bernal, the chance to explain their side. Joe Biden is exceptionally smart—he should have known what was occuring, yet we haven’t seen that evidence.” He criticized Biden’s acknowledgment in an interview with the New York Times, where Biden admitted uncertainty about some individuals he pardoned, noting, “This isn’t how the pardon process should function.” Comer maintains that the committee is proactively reaching out to individuals connected to the White House to gather more insights.
Biden, in his conversation with the New York Times, asserted he had directed his staff to utilize the autopen for issuing pardons, although he claimed to have personally approved all pardons at the end of his administration. He also mentioned grants of pardons to family and prominent individuals, including General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, stating he had spoken directly to all his major pardoned individuals.
“I made all these decisions with deliberation,” Biden remarked, emphasizing his involvement.
Notably, Biden’s singular act of forgiveness through the autopen, spanning from December 2024 to January 2025, pertained to his son Hunter, during which he granted a total of 25 pardons and commutations using the device.
