NOTE: VIDEO at the end of the article
In a recent Fox Business interview, David Sacks, President Trump’s newly appointed Crypto and AI Czar, made headlines by accusing Senator Elizabeth Warren of effectively controlling President Biden’s autopen to push anti-cryptocurrency policies. Sacks, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur and pro-Trump policy adviser, claimed that Warren’s influence extended to signing executive actions via autopen, targeting the crypto industry.
Sacks’ Allegations
During the interview, Sacks criticized Warren for her “pathological hatred” of digital finance, asserting that she led a crusade to stifle innovation and weaponize regulation against the crypto community. He stated, “Elizabeth Warren controlled the autopen during that administration,” suggesting that she was behind the Biden administration’s restrictive crypto policies. Sacks emphasized the need to encourage the growth of the financial system of the future, highlighting the benefits of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies.
The Autopen Controversy
The autopen, a mechanical device that replicates a person’s signature, has been used by U.S. presidents for decades to sign documents when they are unavailable to do so personally. Its use became a point of contention during Biden’s presidency, with critics arguing that it allowed unelected officials to make significant decisions without the president’s direct involvement. The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project reported that Biden’s autopen signature appeared on numerous official documents, raising concerns about who was truly in control of the executive branch.https://www.fox19.com+3https://www.wsaz.com+3https://www.wsfa.com+3AP News+3The Sun+3Fox News+3
House Oversight Committee Investigation
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer announced an investigation into the use of the autopen during Biden’s presidency. The committee aims to determine whether Biden personally approved the actions or if members of his inner circle acted independently. Comer expressed concerns about Biden’s cognitive decline and the potential misuse of the autopen to shield individuals like Hunter Biden, James Biden, and Dr. Anthony Fauci from prosecution.
Legal Perspectives on Autopen Use
Legal experts have weighed in on the controversy, stating that the use of the autopen is constitutionally permissible. A 2005 opinion from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel concluded that the president does not need to personally sign a bill for it to become law, as long as the signature is affixed under the president’s direction. Furthermore, the Constitution does not require that pardons be signed by hand, and there is no legal precedent invalidating pardons signed via autopen.PBS+3CBS News+3Newsweek+3https://www.fox19.com+7PBS+7Fox News+7
Warren’s Stance on Cryptocurrency
Senator Warren has been a vocal critic of the cryptocurrency industry, advocating for stronger consumer protections and anti-money laundering regulations. She has called for increased oversight of digital assets, arguing that the crypto market is under-regulated compared to traditional finance. Warren’s position has put her at odds with the Trump administration, which has embraced cryptocurrency and proposed creating a U.S. strategic crypto reserve.New York Post
Conclusion and Fact Check
David Sacks’ claim that Senator Elizabeth Warren controlled President Biden’s autopen to implement anti-crypto policies is unsubstantiated. While Warren has influenced cryptocurrency regulation, there is no evidence to support the assertion that she directed the use of the autopen for this purpose. The use of the autopen by presidents, including for signing pardons and executive orders, is legally valid and has been upheld by legal opinions and historical precedent.
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