Former President Joe Biden is hitting back hard after President Donald Trump alleged that Biden relied on an autopen—a mechanical device used to replicate signatures—for signing crucial documents during his presidency.
Trump recently claimed, without presenting any evidence, that Biden allowed staff members to use the device to authorize executive orders and other significant paperwork. Biden’s team has swiftly dismissed the accusation, pushing back against what they call another baseless attack.
Biden Slams Trump’s Autopen Claims, Calls Them “Ridiculous and False”
Former President Joe Biden is forcefully rejecting recent claims by President Donald Trump, who alleged that Biden relied on an autopen—a device that replicates a signature—to authorize major presidential actions during his time in office.
In a statement to ABC News, Biden didn’t hold back:
“Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false,” he said.
Biden also dismissed Trump’s renewed calls for an investigation into his mental fitness, calling them “nothing more than a mere distraction.”
While Trump offered no evidence to back his claims, the U.S. Department of Justice has previously confirmed that using an autopen is legal—provided the president has authorized its use. The device has been used by previous presidents in limited situations, such as while traveling or during emergencies.
The sharp tone marks a noticeable shift for Trump, who just weeks earlier expressed sympathy following Biden’s cancer diagnosis. At the time, Trump wrote:
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Now, with tensions reigniting, the back-and-forth signals a deepening divide between the two political heavyweights.