President Trump has ordered the Justice Department to open an investigation into potentially up to one million documents signed by President Biden using an autopen signature device, according to Fox News and subsequently Time magazine.
The probe will focus on whether Biden’s use of automated signatures on executive orders, pardons, and other key documents was legitimate or if it raises constitutional concerns about his mental fitness and the legality of the actions taken. A White House memo overseeing the investigation cites fears that a small circle of aides may have been exercising presidential power without proper authority.
Fox News reports officials from the White House Counsel’s office are reviewing NARA records to determine how many documents—possibly approaching a million—bear the autopen signature. The goal is to establish whether Biden personally authorized each document or if aides exceeded their authority.
Historically, autopens have been used by presidents, including George W. Bush and Barack Obama, to handle high volumes of routine paperwork. But critics—led by Trump—claim Biden’s use was an aggressive expansion of executive power, not merely an administrative convenience.
Biden has defended the practice, stating he approved all decisions even when his signature was produced mechanically. He insists his use of the tool was necessary to finalize clemencies, executive orders, and administrative documents, while personally overseeing the criteria .
Politically, the investigation sharply escalates scrutiny over Biden’s cognitive condition and raises major questions about the transparency and legitimacy of presidential actions.
Republicans, including House Oversight Chair James Comer, are launching separate inquiries and have emphasized the troubling ethical implications of an unelected staff using the signature stamp to enact policy.
Legal experts note that autopen use is constitutionally valid, but warn that if the investigation uncovers unauthorized delegation or misuse of power, it could lead to significant legal challenges and public outcry.
As the Justice Department begins examining documents in coordination with the White House Counsel, the extent and outcome of the probe remain uncertain—but the political battle has clearly begun.
