The former US president, Donald Trump, has announced plans to cancel all executive orders signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, using an autopen. Trump claims that these directives are invalid because the autopen, a device that reproduces signatures, was allegedly used without proper authorization. This decision, shared on Trump’s platform Truth Social, marks a significant move in the ongoing political rivalry between the two leaders.
Trump’s assertion is rooted in his belief that the majority of Biden’s executive actions were signed without the president’s direct oversight. He contends that during Biden’s final months in office, the president became increasingly impaired and less involved in key decision-making processes. Trump stated, “Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect.” He further criticized the use of the autopen, claiming it was employed “illegally” by aides who did not have Biden’s explicit permission.
Legal experts have highlighted the complexity of this situation. While a sitting president can revoke a predecessor’s executive orders, there is no legal mechanism for reversing pardons once they have been granted. Trump’s latest move comes in the wake of Biden’s late-term clemency actions, which included a significant number of pardons and commutations that some critics described as rushed. Trump argues that these decisions lack legitimacy if they were signed using the autopen without Biden’s direct involvement.
According to a 2005 opinion from the Justice Department, the use of an autopen is valid when authorized by the president. This precedent has been referenced in discussions surrounding Biden’s use of the device. The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, has requested that the Justice Department investigate Biden’s use of the autopen. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the matter is under review, noting that the committee has struggled to find documentation proving Biden’s authorization for every action signed by the autopen.
Trump’s announcement reflects a broader trend of political maneuvering as both parties seek to affirm their legitimacy and challenge their opponents’ actions. The former president has maintained that he personally approved all actions taken during his administration, contrasting with his claims regarding Biden’s executive decisions.
As the political landscape evolves, this development could have significant implications for executive power and the legitimacy of presidential actions. The narrative surrounding the autopen is emblematic of larger discussions about governance, authority, and accountability in American politics.
