Biden issues blistering defense of his presidency as Trump orders probe into his use of autopen

Biden went on to accuse Trump of seeking out distractions to avoid criticism over bad legislation making its way through Congress

| Published June 5, 2025

Biden said an investigation would be “nothing more than a mere distraction.”

In a significant political development, President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice and the White House counsel to investigate whether former President Joe Biden’s aides misused the autopen to sign official documents during his presidency, potentially concealing his cognitive decline. This move has sparked a contentious debate over presidential authority and the use of automated signatures in the White House.

The Autopen Controversy

The autopen, a device that replicates a person’s signature, has been used by U.S. presidents for decades to sign documents when they are unavailable. However, Trump’s directive suggests that Biden’s aides may have overused this device to mask his alleged cognitive issues, thereby executing executive actions without his direct input. Trump stated that this could represent “one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history,” questioning the legitimacy of policies enacted during Biden’s tenure.

Biden’s Response

Former President Biden has dismissed the investigation as a political distraction. In a statement, he asserted, “I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.” He further criticized the move as an attempt by Trump and Congressional Republicans to divert attention from their legislative agenda .

Legal and Political Implications

The investigation raises questions about the constitutional validity of using the autopen for presidential actions. While the device has been employed by previous administrations, including those of Presidents Obama and Trump, its use has occasionally sparked debate. Notably, in 2011, President Obama used the autopen to sign the extension of the Patriot Act while abroad, leading to discussions about the constitutionality of such actions.

The current probe could have far-reaching implications, potentially challenging the legitimacy of decisions made during Biden’s presidency. It also underscores the ongoing political polarization and the use of legal mechanisms to contest the actions of previous administrations.

Former President Joe Biden has finally hit back at criticism of his use of autopen by rubbishing any suggestion he wasn’t in control of the country

The implications of the Biden autopen investigation are serious, both politically and legally, and could ripple across multiple branches of government. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Constitutional Legitimacy of Presidential Acts

If it’s proven that key executive actions were signed via autopen without Biden’s awareness or approval, it could call into question the validity of those decisions—including pardons, executive orders, or even legislation. This would set a dangerous precedent about the delegation of presidential authority.

2. Precedent for Future Investigations

Trump’s directive to the DOJ and White House counsel opens the door for future presidents to probe prior administrations’ use of executive tools. It blurs the line between oversight and political retribution, creating a cycle of investigations that could politicize the justice system even more.

3. Erosion of Public Trust

This controversy may deepen public skepticism about presidential competency and transparency within the executive branch. If the public believes that aides, not the president, are governing—especially in moments of crisis—it could undermine faith in the office itself.

4. Reassessment of Autopen Use

Regardless of the outcome, Congress may face pressure to tighten rules around autopen use, including:

• requiring real-time authentication by the president,

• limiting which documents may be signed via autopen,

• or banning it entirely for high-impact decisions like pardons or declarations of war.

5. Election-Year Weaponization

With 2024’s election cycle recently concluded, the investigation may still shape public discourse. It positions Trump and his allies as pursuing accountability while painting Biden’s administration as potentially deceptive, reinforcing partisan narratives on both sides.

Overall Takeaway:

The Biden autopen investigation highlights growing concerns over presidential transparency, executive power, and political accountability. While using an autopen isn’t new, Trump’s move to investigate its alleged misuse by Biden’s aides reframes it as a potential constitutional and ethical crisis, especially if decisions were made without the president’s direct involvement.

More broadly, the situation reflects how technology, age, and trust in leadership are becoming central flashpoints in American politics. It’s not just about a signature—it’s about who’s truly governing and how much the public is allowed to know.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Joe Biden Breaks His Silence After President Trump Orders Investigation into Who Ran the White House While Old Joe Was in Office

DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Biden issues blistering defense of his presidency as Trump orders probe into his use of autopen

AP NEWS – Trump orders investigation into Biden’s actions as president, ratcheting up targeting of predecessor

ABC NEWS – Trump directs DOJ, White House counsel to investigate Biden’s mental state in office