WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is nullifying all documents, including pardons and commutations, that he claims former President Joe Biden signed using an autopen — a move legal experts say has no basis in federal law and is unprecedented in modern presidential history. The autopen, a mechanical device that replicates signatures, has been routinely used by presidents of both parties for ceremonial or high-volume documents.
According to PolitiFact and constitutional scholars, a president’s physical signature is not required to validate most official documents, including pardons. Federal law also provides no mechanism for a sitting president to overturn a predecessor’s lawfully issued pardon. It remains unclear whether Biden used an autopen for any of his pardons.
Trump announced the move on Truth Social, writing that any document “so signed” by Biden is “fully and completely terminated.” Biden issued a series of pardons before leaving office, including for family members and for individuals such as retired Gen. Mark Milley, members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 attack, and former Republican representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. He also granted clemency to several nonviolent drug offenders.
Fox News reported that Biden signed his pardon for his son Hunter by hand, meaning Trump’s declaration would not apply to that case. The outlet suggested Trump’s statement might be aimed at figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, although any legal effect remains highly doubtful.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden’s use of the autopen and questioned his mental acuity, claims Biden and former aides have denied. Legal analysts say Trump’s announcement carries no legal weight but reflects his ongoing efforts to challenge the legitimacy of actions taken during Biden’s presidency.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
