US President Donald Trump has made good on his promise to revoke all documents, including executive orders, contracts, and legal pardons, signed using an autopen during the Biden administration. Trump, aged 79, shared this development on his personal social media platform on Wednesday, December 3.
In his announcement, the 47th US president stated that any documents signed by the autopen during Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s administration are now considered null and void. He specifically mentioned that any pardons, commutations, or other legal documents signed in this manner are no longer valid.
During a recent visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump showcased what he referred to as the “Biden autopen,” prominently displayed at the White House. The administration also replaced Biden’s portrait in the Presidential Walk of Fame near the Oval Office with an image of an autopen.
In his final acts before leaving office, former President Joe Biden issued a series of preemptive pardons to shield his family members from potential future legal issues on Trump’s inauguration day. These pardons extended to his son Hunter and brother James, ensuring protection against any forthcoming charges related to the investigations.
Trump’s recent action targets documents signed through the autopen, a device capable of replicating a person’s signature for signing purposes. Trump has alleged that decisions regarding orders and presidential pardons were made by individuals other than Biden, citing Biden’s alleged lack of awareness or understanding.
This move by Trump is part of his ongoing efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the Biden administration following his defeat in the 2020 election. Trump continues to assert baseless claims of election fraud influencing his loss, with the autopen cancellation serving as a symbolic attempt to rewrite the narrative of the 2020 election outcome.
The decision has garnered praise from Trump’s Republican allies, who have expressed support for the annulment of autopen-signed documents. Various figures, including the Heritage Foundation and GOP-led House Oversight committee chair James Comer, have commended Trump for his actions.
Biden has refuted allegations that his staff acted independently when issuing pardons and commutations, asserting that he personally signed each document. He dismissed claims of incapacitation and labeled those making such accusations as dishonest.
For the latest news updates, consider selecting the Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for convenient access to the news that matters to you.