Summary
Attorney General Pam Bondi is examining former President Biden's use of an autopen—a device that mechanically replicates a signature—for pardons, following a report from the House Oversight Committee. The report suggested any pardons signed by autopen without Biden's written approval might be invalid, a stance not supported by constitutional experts. Legal experts mention that previous presidents, including President Trump, have used autopens, questioning the grounds of the claims.
Key Facts
- Attorney General Pam Bondi is reviewing Biden's autopen-signed pardons after a congressional report questioned their validity.
- The House Oversight Committee report argues that autopen-signed pardons without Biden's written approval are void.
- Legal experts say the claims about autopen use not being constitutional lack support.
- The Justice Department in 2005 stated a president could direct someone else to affix their signature after approval.
- President Trump and other presidents have used autopen devices for signing documents.
- Near the end of his term, Biden pardoned family members and commuted sentences for drug offenses and reduced death row sentences.
- Democrats argue that there is no evidence showing the autopen was used without Biden's knowledge.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson falsely claimed no other presidents used an autopen, despite evidence of previous use by President Obama and mentions by President Trump.
