Biden Aide Accused Of Misusing Autopen To Sign Official Documents
A former staffer in President Joe Biden’s administration is facing allegations of improperly using an autopen to authorize official documents without clear approval from Biden himself. Reports from former White House officials suggest that the staffer frequently claimed to act on Biden’s behalf, though aides were unsure whether the president was directly involved in decisions.
The allegations center around a key aide who reportedly signed documents using the autopen — a mechanical device that replicates a signature — without other officials verifying Biden’s approval. According to sources, the aide would insist they were following “the boss’s” instructions, yet colleagues feared questioning the claims.
Concerns about Biden’s cognitive state during his final months in office have fueled speculation that aides may have been running the administration’s decision-making process. Some former officials believe the use of the autopen may have extended beyond routine matters, possibly influencing major policy decisions.
A separate investigation into Biden’s last-minute pardons has drawn further scrutiny. The Oversight Project flagged six pardons issued on December 30, 2024, bearing identical autopen signatures, despite Biden being on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands at the time. The Department of Justice is being urged to review whether the president was aware of all executive actions taken in his name.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called for an investigation into whether Biden’s staff abused his authority to advance political objectives. In a letter to the DOJ’s inspector general, Bailey argued that if Biden’s aides made policy decisions without his knowledge, those actions could be unconstitutional and legally invalid.
Trump’s administration has taken a stricter approach to the autopen’s use. A recently released document outlines President Donald Trump’s policies, which limit the device to minor administrative tasks and prohibit its use for executive orders, pardons, or major legislative actions.
Presidents have used the autopen since Lyndon Johnson’s era, though its role has evolved over time. The Biden administration’s alleged reliance on it for high-level decisions has reignited debates over presidential oversight and accountability.
