Trump Declares Biden Autopen Documents Null & Void

In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has declared that all official documents signed by Joe Biden using an autopen are “null, void, and of no further force or effect.” The statement, shared on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, has reignited debate over presidential authority and the use of automated signature devices in the White House.

The autopen, a device designed to replicate a person’s signature with exact precision, has been used by both Republican and Democratic presidents for decades. Trump, however, criticized Biden for relying on it, claiming it is evidence that the president is not fully in control of his administration. “Any and all Documents, Proclamations, Executive Orders, Memorandums, or Contracts, signed by Order of the now infamous and unauthorized 'AUTOPEN,' within the Administration of Joseph R. Biden Jr., are hereby null, void, and of no further force or effect,” Trump stated.

He further warned that individuals who received pardons, commutations, or other legal documents signed via autopen should consider them fully terminated and without legal effect. Trump’s comments come amid his ongoing criticism of Biden’s mental acuity and capacity to manage executive responsibilities, often citing autopen use as proof of administrative delegation.

Biden’s use of the autopen has, however, been a routine practice in Washington. Many past presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump himself, used it to efficiently sign documents, especially during high-volume periods or while away from the White House. Critics of Trump’s claim note that the autopen does not diminish the legal validity of executive orders or other presidential documents.

Adding fuel to the controversy, Biden’s final hours in office included a flurry of preemptive pardons for high-profile figures and close family members. These pardons covered officials such as General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress involved in January 6 investigations, as well as Biden’s own siblings and their spouses. The clemency actions were widely viewed as protective measures to shield allies and family from potential legal action by the incoming administration.

The declaration by Trump has sparked discussions among legal experts and political commentators about the limits of a former president’s influence over the validity of official documents. While the announcement is largely symbolic, it underscores the deep political divisions and ongoing tensions surrounding executive authority in the United States.