President Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy by claiming that Biden’s pardons are “void” due to the alleged use of an autopen signature machine. The explosive allegations suggest that Biden may have been unaware of critical decisions being made under his authority, raising profound questions. If Biden wasn’t involved, who was the decision maker?
Trump Questions Presidential Authority and Legitimacy
President Donald Trump has launched a serious challenge to the legitimacy of Biden’s pardons for House January 6 committee members, claiming they are “void” due to the use of an autopen. The controversial claim raises fundamental questions about presidential authority and the constitutional requirement for direct executive oversight of critical decisions.
Trump’s allegations specifically target the pardon granted to Representative Adam Schiff, with Trump stating bluntly, “Why did the Auto Pen give Schiff a Pardon? Biden knew nothing about it.” This assertion directly challenges whether Biden was actively engaged in the decision-making process for significant executive actions.
Hopefully ACTBLUE, the Democrats ILLEGAL SCAM used to raise money, including from not allowed "foreign contributions," is being looked at by authorities. The Dems only know how to win by CHEATING, something which they do better than any group or party in history. But now, with…
— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) April 27, 2025
Shadow Presidency Allegations
In one of his most provocative statements, Trump declared, “The person who was the real President during the Biden years was the person who controlled the Autopen!” This explosive claim suggests a shadow government operating beyond constitutional boundaries. The implication that unelected staff members might be making presidential-level decisions without proper authorization strikes at the heart of democratic governance.
Trump has called for serious consequences, suggesting that those who operated Biden’s autopen “should all be in jail” for allegedly usurping presidential authority. His statements reflect a broader narrative questioning whether Biden has been fully engaged in his presidential duties or if others have been making decisions in his name.
🚨 REPORTER: “Are those [autopen] pardons from the former President now null and void?”
TRUMP: “I would say that they're null and void because I'm sure Biden didn't have any idea that it was taking place … What they did is criminal.” pic.twitter.com/R9OD7kAtJb
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) March 17, 2025
Legal and Constitutional Questions
The controversy raises significant legal questions about the validity of executive actions signed via autopen rather than by the president’s hand. While autopens have been used by previous administrations for certain documents, their use for pardons and other significant constitutional powers may face greater scrutiny.
NBC News has reported on the history of autopen use in the White House, noting the practice isn’t entirely unprecedented. However, Trump’s allegations go beyond merely questioning the method of signature to suggest a complete breakdown in the chain of executive authority.
Trump has further accused Democrats of employing illegal methods to raise campaign funds, including accepting foreign contributions. These additional allegations expand the scope of Trump’s criticisms beyond the autopen controversy to suggest broader patterns of impropriety.
The president didn’t hold back in his assessment of Biden’s tenure, labeling him the “Worst President in the History of our Country.” This characterization frames the autopen controversy as part of a larger narrative about Biden’s fitness for office and the legitimacy of his administration’s actions.
Constitutional scholars and legal experts will likely debate whether pardons signed by an autopen would withstand legal challenges. The unprecedented nature of Trump’s claims against a predecessor’s pardons adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.