Trump's Autopen Power Play: Will It END Biden's Pardons?!

Well folks, things are getting interesting again. Donald Trump just fired another shot across the bow at Joe Biden, this time zeroing in on something a bit… unexpected: the autopen. Yes, that's right, the machine that replicates signatures is now at the center of a political brawl. Trump, in his inimitable style, has declared that all documents, including pardons, supposedly signed by Biden using an autopen are now null and void.

Trump's Autopen Power Play: Will It END Biden's Pa...

This isn't exactly new territory. Presidents have used autopens for years, both Democrats and Republicans. Think of it for the sheer volume of ceremonial stuff, birthday cards to veterans, official proclamations… it's a practical tool. Trump's argument, however, posted on Truth Social, boils down to this: any "Pardons," "Commutations," or other legal documents bearing an autopen signature are "fully and completely terminated, and is of no Legal effect." Strong words, as always.

The undercurrent here, of course, is Trump's repeated, unsubstantiated claims that Biden isn't really running the show or is somehow mentally unfit. This whole autopen thing plays right into that narrative, suggesting that if a machine signed the document, then *someone else* must be pulling the strings. It's a rhetorical device, really, designed to stoke doubt and undermine the legitimacy of Biden's actions. The question remains, though: did Biden *actually* use an autopen for pardons? So far, we haven't seen definitive proof either way.

Remember, Biden did issue a number of pardons before leaving office, including some that ruffled feathers because they involved family members. He argued those family members were unfairly targeted by politically motivated investigations. He also commuted sentences, focusing particularly on non-violent drug offenses. These are the types of actions now being challenged by Trump's pronouncement. It's a bold move, even for him.

Frankly, the legal ground here seems shaky at best. Courts are likely to view such a sweeping declaration with skepticism. Legal precedent generally supports the use of autopens for official documents, as long as the president has authorized their use. But, you know, that's the court. The court of public opinion, however, is another matter entirely. This plays directly into the ongoing narrative Trump is crafting as he gears up for another run. Whether it sticks or not remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: this is far from the last we'll hear of this.

(File photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) US President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Dec 2, 2025, in Washington, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seated left and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seated right.