Trump Launches Investigation Into Biden's Use of Autopen Amid Claims of Cognitive Decline
President Donald Trump has escalated his confrontational stance against former President Joe Biden by initiating a formal investigation into claims that Biden and his team may have concealed his alleged cognitive decline during his time in office. On Wednesday, Trump instructed his White House lawyer to investigate the legality of using an autopen—an automated device that can sign documents remotely—to authenticate official documents without Biden's full awareness or consent.
Trump asserts that such practices raise serious concerns about the constitutional powers of the presidency, arguing that they could have been used to cover up decisions made in Biden's name while he was allegedly not fit to govern. 'This tool could have been used to exercise presidential power in an unconstitutional manner,' Trump stated. He demands clarity on whether this electronic signature was utilized to grant pardons, appoint judges, or enact laws without Biden being capable of overseeing those actions.
In a pointed rebuttal, Biden firmly denies any suggestions that he lacked agency in decision-making during his presidency. In a statement released to the press, he called claims of cognitive decline 'ridiculous and false,' asserting, 'I made the decisions, all of them.'
Trump's order, signed on Wednesday, pushes for an investigation to uncover if individuals conspired to mislead the public and acted on Biden's behalf while he was unfit for office. This marks one of the most severe accusations Trump has leveled since reclaiming the presidency, particularly in the wake of his recent electoral victory over Kamala Harris.
During his term, Biden signed over 1,200 official documents, appointed 235 federal judges, and issued multiple pardons and commutations. Now, Trump seeks to question the legality of these actions, claiming 'serious doubts' about the decision-making process and Biden's awareness of those decisions.
The memorandum issued by Trump's administration not only targets the use of the autopen but also requests a thorough review of clemency decisions, including pardons granted to several individuals and executive orders signed in the latter half of Biden's presidency—when Trump believes the former president's cognitive decline was apparent to those around him.
Biden's team has countered Trump's allegations by emphasizing that the use of an autopen is a well-established legal practice sanctioned when a president has already made a decision. Biden repeatedly asserts that he was in control of all critical decisions regarding pardons and legislative matters.
This is not the first time Trump has cast doubts on Biden's fitness for office; he has consistently questioned Biden's capabilities since the presidential campaign and has continued to do so post-election. However, the initiation of this formal investigation marks a significant escalation in their ongoing battle, particularly as the political landscape remains charged around issues like healthcare, taxes, and the role of the United States on the global stage.
Compounding the political turmoil, Biden is facing health challenges, as announced last month, with a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. This revelation, alongside the recent publication of a book shedding light on concerns among some Democrats regarding Biden's lucidity during the campaign, has rekindled debates surrounding his mental and physical health.
Nonetheless, Biden's representatives have staunchly rejected any implications that his ability to govern has been compromised, steadfast in their message that he remains capable of fulfilling his presidential duties.
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