Focus on the BIG picture.
Friday, May 09, 2025

Understanding the Autopen: A Tool for Presidential Signatures in Controversy

Understanding the Autopen: A Tool for Presidential Signatures in Controversy

President Trump's criticism of Joe Biden's alleged use of an autopen highlights ongoing political tensions and historical practices.
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized President Joe Biden for allegedly using an autopen to sign official documents, a claim he argues renders them "void." An autopen is a mechanical device that replicates an individual's signature, allowing for quick and efficient signing of documents.

Despite Trump's assertion, the use of autopens has a history among US presidents, and there is currently no substantiated evidence indicating that Biden utilized this technology for any specific pardons.

Trump's allegations play into a broader narrative he has promoted, suggesting that Biden lacks control over his administration, implying that a so-called 'deep state' operates behind the scenes.

The controversy surrounding the autopen garnered attention as Trump questioned the legality and legitimacy of Biden's presidential actions.

He posed rhetorical questions to reporters regarding whether Biden personally authorized the use of the autopen or if another individual, whom he referred to disparagingly, was signing documents on Biden's behalf.

Trump argued that the use of such a mechanism for pardoning individuals, particularly those he has criticized, is "disgraceful."

Legal perspectives from the US Justice Department clarify that the president is not mandated to sign bills or pardons with a handwritten signature.

A memorandum from 2005 confirms that the president can direct an official to append their signature using an autopen, thus legitimizing the practice.

The claims surrounding Biden's use of an autopen remain largely unproven and have been contested by various media outlets.

Reports indicate that evidence cited by organizations such as the Heritage Foundation, which supports Trump’s position, is primarily based on digitized copies, as opposed to original documents.

In fact, there are instances captured on camera where Biden is seen physically signing documents, including some of the pardons in question.

The use of autopens is not limited to presidential signings; they are commonly employed across government and business sectors for routine correspondence, promotional materials, and various official communications.

Historically, previous presidents have also utilized autopens for significant document signings, including pardons.

For instance, records indicate that former President Barack Obama was the first president to sign a bill using an autopen while he was overseas in 2011, although signed paper versions are still occasionally sent to the president for his approval.

In his final days in office, Biden issued pardons targeting individuals tied to controversial investigations into Trump, including his own son, Hunter Biden, alongside politicians and military figures critical of Trump’s administration.

Following Biden's actions, Bennie Thompson, one of the individuals pardoned by Biden, publicly dismissed Trump's comments, stating he was unafraid of Trump's accusations, which he described as lacking factual basis.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Historic Papal Conclave Set to Commence in Rome
Huge Copper, Gold, and Silver Discovery in Argentina and Chile — But the Profits Go Abroad
The Road to Freedom: She Protested Putin, Escaped House Arrest, and Survived a 2,800-Kilometer Journey
Prince Harry is pleading for reconciliation — but the royals are just as sick of his victimhood as everyone else
OpenAI's Flip-Flop: No Longer Going Commercial, Back to Nonprofit, After Musk Lawsuit and Backlash
First From China: Zhao Xintong Wins the Snooker World Championship
Nvidia Faces Billion-Dollar Losses – Warns: China Is on Its Way to Becoming an AI Superpower
Trump Rules Out Third Term, Names JD Vance and Marco Rubio as Potential Successors
Mexico Says ‘No’ to U.S. Troops: President Sheinbaum Rejects Trump’s Offer to Fight Cartels
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Storms the Map, Wrecking the Two-Party Monopoly
DOGE: Reimagining Government Operations with AI
EU Hits TikTok with €530 Million Fine Over China Data Transfers
Beijing Says U.S. Is ‘Reaching Out’ for Tariff Talks Amid Soaring Trade Tensions
U.K. Court Rejects Prince Harry’s Final Appeal Over Police Security
Warren Buffett to Step Down as Berkshire CEO After Nearly 60 Years
Prince Harry’s Heartfelt Outburst Rocks the Royal Family
Trump Shares AI-Generated Image of Himself as… Pope, Prompting Outrage Reaction
Transgender Swimmer Secures Five Gold Medals at U.S. Masters Championship
Prince Harry: “I Want Reconciliation with My Family”
Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has now been officially labeled “right-wing extremist” by the federal office for the so-called “protection of the constitution.”
Amazon Launches Satellite Internet Service Amidst Competition with SpaceX
Transformative Changes in Women's Wrestling: The Rise of WWE Superstars
The Rush to the White Gold: Global Investment Surge in Natural Hydrogen Exploration
This is a day in Spain without electricity and internet
180-Year-Old Christian University in South Carolina Announces Closure Due to Unmet $6 Million Fundraising Goal
Brazilian Woman Jailed for Fourteen Years for Writing “You Lost, Idiot” on Statue During Protest
Trump Administration Removes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Amid Signal Chat Controversy
Huawei Ramps Up Testing of Powerful New AI Chip in Challenge to Nvidia Amid U.S. Sanctions
Dutch Politician Eva Vlaardingerbroek Receives Spyware Threat Alert from Apple
Paramount Board Considers Settlement in Trump’s $20 Billion Lawsuit Over "60 Minutes" Interview
U.S. Economy Shrink in Trump’s First Quarter as Tariff Policy Raises Questions
U.S. and Ukraine Poised to Sign Strategic Critical Minerals Deal Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Sweden Grapples with Deadly Gun Violence: Suspect Arrested After Three Young Men Killed in Uppsala Hair Salon
Walz Reveals Why Harris Chose Him as Her Running Mate and Reflects on Democratic Losses
Spain Restores Power After Unprecedented Nationwide Blackout
Carney Secures Liberal Mandate in Canada’s Federal Election
Death Penalty Sought as Luigi Manion Pleads Not Guilty in CEO Murder Case
President Trump contacts Jeff Bezos after reports of Amazon considering listing tariff surcharges; company clarifies no such plan for main platform
Spain and Portugal Recover from Massive Blackout
Liverpool Clinches Record-Equalling 20th English League Title Under Arne Slot
Massive Raid on Underground Nightclub in Colorado Springs Yields Over 100 Arrests
Singapore Politicians Warn Against Foreign Interference in Election
Driver Ploughs into Vancouver Festival Crowd, Killing Nine
Depression, Fear of Defamation, and a Tragic End: New Details on Virginia Giuffre’s Suicide
“Sharia for UK, Allah Akbar!”
China Warns Nations Against Trade Deals Harmful to Its Interests
Malaysia Revises Growth Outlook Amid US Trade Talks
Massive Explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas Port Linked to Suspicious Chemical Shipments
Wild Courtroom Chaos: FBI Arrests Milwaukee Judge for Helping Illegal Immigrant Flee from ICE Agents!
Pakistani migrants to Danish man: “ “We have 5 children while you have 1 or 2. In 10 years, there will be more Pakistanis than Danes here.“
×