Trump alleges illegal use of Autopen during Biden's tenure

President Donald Trump has initiated an official investigation into former President Joe Biden and his aides, alleging that they concealed Biden's cognitive decline during his presidency and unlawfully used an autopen to sign official documents on his behalf.

In a memorandum issued on June 4, 2025, Trump directed White House Counsel David Warrington and Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the probe. The investigation aims to determine whether Biden's aides conspired to deceive the public about his mental state and unconstitutionally exercised presidential powers by using an autopen—a device that replicates a person's signature—to sign key documents such as executive orders, pardons, and legislation.

Trump's directive follows ongoing concerns about Biden's health, including a recent diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer and reports suggesting cognitive decline during his tenure. The investigation will also examine whether Biden's aides took actions without his knowledge or consent, potentially rendering certain executive decisions invalid.

In response, Biden has firmly denied the allegations, stating, "I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false." His team has emphasized that the use of an autopen is a well-established legal practice following a presidential decision.

The use of autopen by presidents is not unprecedented. In 2005, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel concluded that the president may sign a bill by directing that his signature be affixed to it using an autopen. However, Trump's investigation focuses on whether the autopen was used to conceal Biden's alleged incapacity to perform his duties.

The investigation has sparked political controversy, with Democrats labeling it a distraction from Trump's legislative agenda, including a proposed bill that would extend tax cuts for the wealthy. Republicans, on the other hand, argue that it is necessary to ensure the integrity of presidential actions and uphold constitutional responsibilities.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on the political landscape and public trust in governmental institutions.