Former President Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on Joe Biden by challenging the legitimacy of numerous documents reportedly signed via an autopen—a device that mechanically replicates a signature. Trump claims these automations were used without Biden’s full awareness or consent, and he argues that key executive actions—particularly pardons granted late in Biden’s term—should be considered invalid. Trump ordered an investigation by the White House counsel and the Department of Justice to probe whether aides conspired to conceal Biden’s mental condition and improperly wield the power of the presidency using the autopen. Specifically, Trump has asserted that certain pardons—such as those issued to members of the Jan. 6 committee—are “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect” because they were processed via autopen rather than signed directly by Biden. His arguments rest on allegations that Biden’s aides controlled the autopen, thereby “acting behind the scenes.”

Legal experts and Biden’s team have pushed back strongly. They point out that autopen use is an established, lawful practice for presidents and that the method of signature alone does not undermine the validity of a pardon or executive action—provided it reflects the president’s direction and intent. Biden has denied any abdication of authority, stating he personally made all critical decisions and authorized autopen use when necessary.  The question of whether this investigation yields any legal impact remains uncertain, as precedent strongly favors the constitutional authority of the presidency in matters of executive clemency.