Biden Admits to Using Autopen for Pardons

Former President Joe Biden has revealed that he did not personally approve every individual pardon or commutation issued during his term. Internal emails show that then-White House chief of staff Jeff Zients authorized the use of an autopen device to sign certain documents.

In a recent interview, Biden explained that he made all major decisions regarding clemencies but relied on staff to replicate his signature when dealing with large numbers of people, notably on 25 warrants for pardons and commuting sentences in late 2022. Two of these warrants granted clemency to thousands.

Emails from Biden’s final night in office, January 19, indicate that he ordered pre-emptive pardons for members of his family, including his brother James Biden. Zients confirmed via email that autopen usage was approved for these pardons.

Jo Biden defended the process, asserting he approved all high-profile pardons and cited concerns Trump might target officials like Gen. Mark Milley if he believed Biden’s signature was not genuine. Biden also criticized Republican claims that staff misused the autopen to conceal his mental state, accusing them of lying to divert attention from political issues.

Trump has accused Biden’s aides of committing crimes by using the autopen to sign documents without his direct involvement. The Justice Department recently launched an investigation into the matter to determine if Presidential signatures were abused.

Currently, White House officials are reviewing whether Biden’s mental fitness was compromised and if aides exploited the autopen system. Meanwhile, House Republicans are investigating allegations of a cover-up regarding Biden’s cognitive health and the use of autopen signatures.