President Donald Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden for using an autopen—a device that replicates signatures—to sign legally binding documents, including pardons. A White House official confirmed on Tuesday that despite accusations, President Trump does not use autopen for any legally binding documents.
Trump emphasized that he and his administration reserve autopen use for non-essential correspondence only.
Trump stated, “We may use it, as an example, to send some young person a letter because it’s nice. You know, we get thousands and thousands of letters, letters of support for young people, from people that aren’t feeling well, etcetera. But to sign pardons and all of the things that he signed with an autopen is disgraceful.”
The use of autopen by presidents has precedent; however, its application for signing pardons has sparked debate. Trump argues that such significant documents require the president’s direct oversight and personal signature to ensure authenticity and accountability.
Trump has been vocal about the alleged use of autopen by former president Biden. In a social post, Trump commented, “In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime.”
This controversy raises questions about the legitimacy of autopen-signed pardons and the importance of maintaining rigorous standards for presidential actions. The discussion underscores the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional protocols in executing the duties of the nation’s highest office.
