U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to revoke executive orders signed by former President Joe Biden using an autopen, reigniting longstanding criticisms regarding Biden’s authority during his presidency. This decision primarily targets pardons issued by Biden in the final days of his administration, which Trump has labeled as illegitimate due to their method of signing.
Trump emphasized his stance through social media, stating, “Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect.” His remarks reflect a broader narrative he has maintained regarding Biden’s mental fitness for office, with the autopen serving as a focal point of his criticisms.
Understanding the Autopen Controversy
An autopen is a mechanical device used to replicate a person’s signature, a method that has been utilized by multiple U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama. Despite this historical precedent, Trump claims the use of the autopen under Biden signifies a lack of agency and capability, asserting that the former president was “not in control of the White House.”
Legal expert Ed Whelan responded to Trump’s assertions, clarifying that while the president has the authority to revoke executive orders, this does not extend to other legislative actions, such as bills passed by Congress or pardons that Biden designated to be signed through the autopen. Whelan pointed out that the legality of revoking these actions could be more complex than Trump suggests.
The U.S. Justice Department has previously addressed the use of autopen, stating in 2005 that a president does not need to physically sign every document. They can authorize an official to affix their signature, including through the use of an autopen. This precedent was notably followed when Obama signed a bill while abroad in 2011.
The Political Implications of Trump’s Decision
In his last days in office, Biden issued several pardons that have drawn attention, including those for individuals politically associated with Trump, such as Biden’s son and a military general who had publicly criticized Trump. This context adds a layer of complexity to Trump’s decision to cancel these orders, as it reflects ongoing political tensions between the two leaders.
Trump, who is currently 79 years old, is set to leave office in January 2029, while Biden, who is 82, completed his term earlier this year. As both figures navigate their political legacies, this latest move by Trump serves as a reminder of the contentious relationship that has characterized U.S. politics in recent years.
While Trump’s intention to cancel Biden’s autopen executive orders is clear, the legal ramifications and potential backlash from such a move remain to be seen. The evolving political landscape will likely influence the implications of Trump’s decisions as he seeks to solidify his position within the Republican Party and appeal to his base.
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