Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen, claiming that it has invalidated many of Biden’s official actions. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that he is effectively “cancelling all executive orders” signed during Biden’s term that were not personally authorized by the president.
Trump’s Claims About Biden’s Autopen Use
Trump’s assertion hinges on the controversial belief that approximately 92% of Biden’s signed documents were executed using the autopen. He stated, “Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen is hereby terminated.” This statement raises questions about the legality of such a sweeping declaration.
Legal Authority and Controversy
Legal experts have weighed in on Trump’s claims, questioning whether he possesses the authority to rescind actions taken by the Biden administration in such a manner. Trump contended that the autopen should only be used with express approval from the sitting president.
- Trump labeled Biden’s actions as “null and void” due to reliance on the autopen.
- He accused Biden of not being involved in the autopen process.
- He threatened that if Biden claimed otherwise, he could face perjury charges.
Biden has vigorously disputed Trump’s narrative, asserting he made all presidential decisions himself and labeling Trump’s accusations as misleading. This dispute reflects broader tensions between the two parties regarding executive authority.
Historical Context and Legal Precedents
Trump’s focus on the autopen is not new; he has previously claimed it indicates Biden’s inability to effectively lead. An investigation was called by Trump earlier into the use of the autopen, linking it to speculations about Biden’s cognitive ability.
Historical precedent, including a 2005 review from the Justice Department under President George W. Bush, affirmed that a president need not physically sign documents to have them recognized legally. Additionally, a congressional investigation questioned Biden’s awareness of pardons signed via autopen but found no concrete evidence suggesting anyone other than Biden made those decisions.
Conclusion
Trump’s recent remarks underscore a continued effort to challenge the legitimacy of Biden’s presidency. The claims surrounding the use of the autopen add another layer to the ongoing political discourse as both parties grapple with the implications of executive authority and accountability.
