| Published May 19, 2025
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has announced that his committee has identified White House staffers responsible for using President Joe Biden’s autopen to authorize executive actions during the final months of his presidency. Comer alleges that these actions were taken during a period when President Biden was experiencing significant cognitive decline, raising questions about who was making key decisions in the White House .
WATCH:
It can be recalled that The Oversight Project determined that all of the pardons issued on January 19 had the same exact Biden autopen signature.
The use of the autopen—a device that replicates a person’s signature—has come under scrutiny, particularly concerning its application in signing last-minute pardons and executive orders. Comer claims that staffers, potentially including senior aides and family members, may have acted on Biden’s behalf without proper authority. He has indicated plans to issue subpoenas for transcribed interviews with key individuals, such as Neera Tanden, Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, and Ashley Williams .
Former President Donald Trump has also criticized the use of the autopen, especially in light of recently released audio from Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2023 interview with Biden, which highlighted instances of confusion and memory lapses. Trump has labeled the autopen’s use as a “growing scandal,” suggesting it was part of a broader effort to shield political allies .
While the autopen has been legally used by previous presidents, including Trump himself, Comer’s investigation focuses on whether its use during Biden’s presidency was part of a larger cover-up concerning the president’s mental fitness. The White House has yet to respond to these allegations and the ongoing investigation .
The implications of the investigation into President Biden’s use of an autopen for signing executive actions are significant:
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Potential Legal Consequences:
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If it is proven that staffers used the autopen without proper authority, they could face legal repercussions, including charges related to forgery or abuse of office.
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Constitutional Questions:
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The investigation raises questions about the limits of executive power and the proper use of the autopen for official acts, including pardons and executive orders.
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Impact on Biden’s Legacy:
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Allegations of cognitive decline and unauthorized use of the autopen may cast a shadow over Biden’s presidency, potentially diminishing public trust in his administration’s actions.
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Increased Scrutiny on Presidential Health:
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The controversy may lead to calls for greater transparency regarding the health of sitting presidents, including mandatory cognitive evaluations.
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Political Fallout:
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The investigation gives Republicans a new angle to criticize Biden and could become a focal point of the 2025 political landscape, particularly if it is perceived as a cover-up.
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Staff Accountability:
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White House staffers identified by the investigation, including senior aides, may face subpoenas, disciplinary action, or even termination if misconduct is proven.
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Overall Takeaway:
The investigation into Biden’s use of the autopen is that it raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and executive authority within the White House. Allegations that staffers may have signed critical documents without Biden’s direct approval, potentially due to his cognitive decline, could undermine public trust in the administration. As the investigation unfolds, it could have far-reaching implications for Biden’s legacy and set a precedent for how presidential authority is managed during periods of health uncertainty.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Rep. James Comer Says STAFFERS Behind Biden’s Autopen Scandal When He was “Clearly in Mental Decline” Have Been IDENTIFIED — Warns Subpoenas Are Coming (VIDEO)
HE NEW YORK POST – Trump says Biden’s ‘autopen’ looks like a ‘bigger and bigger scandal’ after full special counsel Robert Hur audio leaks
COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT – Comer Announces the Oversight Committee Will Continue Investigating the Cover-Up of Biden’s Mental Decline & Use of Autopen
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