Trump Declares Biden’s Autopen Pardons ‘Void’ As New Investigation Begins
President Donald Trump has officially declared that pardons issued by former President Joe Biden using an autopen are “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect.” Trump made the announcement Monday morning on Truth Social, vowing to investigate how the autopen was used in Biden’s White House.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Biden had routinely used an autopen to sign official documents, raising questions about who was making critical decisions during his presidency. White House insiders revealed that staff members had been using the autopen to approve executive orders, legislation, and even last-minute pardons issued by Biden before leaving office.
Trump, addressing the situation in a speech at the Department of Justice, criticized Biden’s reliance on the autopen and cast doubt on whether the former president had any direct involvement in key decisions. “The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden,” Trump stated. “He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime.”
Among those pardoned by Biden were members of the House select committee that investigated the events of Jan. 6, 2021, including Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney. Trump has vowed that these individuals will still face accountability, stating that those involved “should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level.”
The autopen scandal has drawn widespread criticism, with reports suggesting that unelected staffers effectively controlled major aspects of Biden’s presidency. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called for a federal probe, arguing that if Biden did not personally authorize key executive actions, they could be legally invalid.
Vice President J.D. Vance also weighed in on the controversy, sharing an image of Biden’s autopen signature alongside Trump’s handwritten signature with no comment, letting the comparison speak for itself. Others, including Elon Musk, joined the online backlash, with Musk posting a bullseye emoji and a laughing face.
Trump previously completed his official documents in public view, often signing executive orders on camera. With new scrutiny over Biden’s use of an autopen, questions are growing about who was actually making decisions in his White House.
