President Donald Trump has directed a sweeping federal investigation into whether former President Joe Biden’s aides concealed his cognitive decline and improperly wielded presidential authority by using an autopen—a mechanical signature device—to sign official documents. The probe, announced on June 5, 2025, will be led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Counsel David Warrington and seeks to determine the legality of executive actions, including pardons, allegedly signed without Biden’s direct knowledge.
Trump Alleges Widespread Deception in Biden’s White House
In a formal memorandum issued Wednesday night, President Trump accused top aides to Joe Biden of orchestrating a “conspiracy” to mask the former president’s mental fitness while exercising Article II powers in his name. The directive cited instances where executive decisions—such as presidential pardons and judicial appointments—were allegedly made by staffers without Biden’s awareness, and signed via autopen.
Trump’s memo emphasized that such actions, if proven, could nullify a range of policy decisions made during Biden’s tenure. “There are serious doubts as to the decision-making process and even the degree of Biden’s awareness of these actions,” the order stated. Trump further argued that the unauthorized use of an autopen for critical legal instruments may have far-reaching constitutional consequences.
Investigation to Target Scope of Autopen Use and Decision-Making Process
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Counsel David Warrington have been tasked with identifying which executive actions were signed via autopen and determining whether Biden’s top staff directed those decisions. The probe will also explore whether there was deliberate intent to deceive the public and circumvent the constitutional requirement that only the president can execute Article II powers.
“This is not just about the use of a machine,” Warrington said in a brief statement Thursday morning. “This is about the fundamental integrity of presidential authority. If staffers unilaterally signed off on pardons or appointments, it raises unprecedented legal and constitutional issues.”
Biden Denounces Allegations as “False” and Politically Motivated
Responding swiftly to Trump’s announcement, Joe Biden released a pointed statement denying all accusations of misconduct. “Let me be clear: 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,” Biden said.
His legal team further defended the use of the autopen, citing a 2005 Justice Department opinion from George W. Bush’s administration that affirmed its legality. “The autopen is a longstanding tool used by multiple administrations. Its use does not invalidate executive actions that the president has authorized,” said Biden spokesperson Kevin Munoz.
Legal Gray Areas Surround Autopen Use for Pardons
While autopen usage for signing bills into law has been legally recognized, the question of its validity for pardons remains unresolved. Legal scholars note that no court has definitively ruled on whether a presidential pardon signed via autopen—especially without the president’s direct knowledge—is legally binding.
“There’s ambiguity here,” said constitutional law professor Mary Beth Grant of Georgetown University. “While the autopen itself is not illegal, the context of its use is critical. If the president wasn’t aware of the action being taken, we may be looking at an abuse of constitutional authority, particularly regarding irrevocable acts like pardons.”
GOP Lawmakers and Trump Allies Rally Behind the Inquiry
President Trump’s call for a probe comes amid mounting Republican scrutiny over Biden’s mental capacity while in office. Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, has already begun requesting testimony from members of Biden’s inner circle about the former president’s cognitive and physical state during his final year in office.
Several of Trump’s allies have amplified the inquiry, framing it as necessary to restore faith in the presidency. “This may be the biggest political scandal in American history—second only to the 2020 election,” Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday morning. He also reasserted his claim that Biden’s pardons of certain Trump adversaries are “VOID” and “VACANT” due to alleged misuse of the autopen.
Critics Say Probe Distracts from Governance and Is Politically Charged
Democratic lawmakers and political analysts have criticized Trump’s investigation as a politically charged move intended to undermine the legitimacy of Biden’s presidency and distract from pressing legislative agendas. “This is a dangerous precedent,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). “We’re weaponizing federal investigations to question decisions already made by a duly elected president.”
However, supporters argue that the constitutional stakes are too high to ignore. “We have to ensure that no president—or their staff—exercises power without public accountability,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). “This investigation isn’t about politics. It’s about the rule of law.”
Broader Implications for Presidential Precedent and Accountability
The outcome of this investigation could shape the future use of autopen technology in the White House and potentially set a new legal standard for what constitutes a valid presidential action. Legal observers warn that if any executive decisions—especially pardons—are invalidated, it could trigger a wave of litigation and constitutional debate.
“It’s a constitutional inflection point,” said political historian Douglas Brinkley. “Never before have we questioned whether a president’s signature was truly his. The implications for democratic governance are enormous, and the courts may ultimately have to decide where the line is drawn.”
