Trump Declares Biden’s “Autopen”-Signed Documents Void
U.S. President Donald J. Trump declared that he was terminating all “documents signed by autopen” under former President Joe Biden — including executive orders and other actions — claiming they are invalid because they were not personally signed by Biden. Trump said about 92% of Biden-era documents fall into this category and threatened perjury charges if Biden claims he personally signed them.
Autopen Use Is Legal — Experts Disagree With Claim
The device in question, known as an autopen, mechanically reproduces a president’s signature. It has long been accepted in U.S. practice when the president authorizes its use. Legal experts have broadly dismissed Trump’s argument, noting that signature method does not alter a document’s legality. Under longstanding legal precedent, actions signed by autopen, when properly authorised, remain valid. The announcement has raised serious questions about the legal standing of Trump’s move and the future of affected orders and pardons.
What This Could Mean For Government Actions
While a new president can rescind executive orders issued by a predecessor, experts say a blanket invalidation based on the use of an autopen is legally dubious. Some orders may be reissued or modified, but underlying laws, treaties or statutory acts cannot be voided this way. The decision could provoke legal challenges and uncertainty over policies implemented during Biden’s term.
