Biden Defends Autopen Use in Massive Clemency Wave Amid Trump Investigation

Former President Joe Biden recently stirred the political pot by defending his extensive use of an autopen for signing clemency decisions during the twilight of his administration. In a candid interview, Biden addressed the eyebrow-raising choice to automate his signature on over 1,500 pardons and acts of clemency, marking it as the largest single-day act of mercy by any U.S. president.

Biden insisted that he personally made each decision, emphasizing, "We're talking about a whole lot of people" who benefited from his actions. Yet, it turns out he didn’t individually vet every name for the broader categorical pardons. Instead, after hashing out criteria with his team, he approved the standards for who qualified for sentence reductions, leaving the autopen to handle the paperwork.

This reliance on technology has drawn sharp criticism, especially from Republicans. President Donald Trump didn’t hold back, ordering the Department of Justice to probe whether this autopen spree was tied to concerns over Biden’s mental sharpness. Trump called it a "dangerous scandal," alleging that the public was kept in the dark about who truly wielded executive power during this flood of signatures.

Trump also took a personal jab, arguing that using an autopen for significant documents—be it pardons or ambassadorial appointments—lacks the respect deserved. "They deserve a real signature," he remarked, pointing out the symbolic weight of a president’s personal touch.

As this debate unfolds, it’s clear the autopen controversy isn’t just about a pen—it’s about trust, authority, and the human element in the highest office. Will this mechanical signature saga redefine how we view presidential power? Only time will tell.