URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just declared all documents and orders signed by his predecessor, President Joe Biden, with an autopen to be “terminated, and of no further force or effect.” This unprecedented announcement, made via Truth Social earlier today, could ignite a major legal battle with significant implications for Biden’s executive actions, including critical pardons and policies affecting reproductive rights and climate change.
In his post, Trump claimed that a staggering 92 percent of Biden’s documents were signed using the autopen, alleging that “Radical Left Lunatics” operated the device illegally. “Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process,” Trump stated, threatening that if Biden contests this, he could face charges of perjury. This claim stems from a House Oversight Committee report released this year but has been dismissed by Democrats as a “political diversion” due to a lack of independent verification.
The potential fallout of Trump’s declaration could be vast. Among the actions at risk are high-profile executive orders and pardons, which, if challenged, would likely lead to a showdown in the Supreme Court. Legal experts warn that under Article II of the Constitution, presidential pardons are final, and courts have historically upheld this principle, making it difficult for Trump to invalidate Biden’s pardons.
While the House report indicated that Biden used the autopen more frequently than prior presidents, Biden’s team has consistently asserted that the device was only used with his direct authorization, typically during his absence. However, the report produced no conclusive evidence that Biden’s staff misused the autopen.
As the political landscape shifts, this developing situation is poised to impact numerous policies and legal precedents. Observers are urged to watch for upcoming responses from Biden’s administration as well as potential legal challenges that could redefine the boundaries of presidential powers.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds. The implications of Trump’s declaration could shape the future of executive authority in the United States, making it a crucial issue to follow.
