NOTE: 3 VIDEOS AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
President Donald Trump’s administration and Republican lawmakers have intensified their criticism of President Joe Biden following his recent admission about the use of an autopen to sign pardons during his final weeks in office. The revelation has reignited questions about Biden’s cognitive state and who was truly in control of crucial executive decisions, especially concerning high-profile pardons for figures like former Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
In a July 2025 interview with The New York Times, Biden defended himself against allegations that he was unaware of many pardons granted under his name. While he insisted he “approved every pardon,” Biden also acknowledged, “I did not individually approve” each name on the pardon list. Instead, he explained that he authorized a general set of standards for his staff to apply in deciding which pardons would be issued.
According to the report, rather than personally signing off on each revision of the pardon list, White House aides waited until the final version was prepared and then used an autopen—a mechanical signature device—to sign the documents. Staff reportedly viewed this process as routine, a revelation that has alarmed Republicans who fear that Biden may have been sidelined during critical moments in his presidency.
This admission has fueled growing concerns among GOP leaders about the opacity surrounding Biden’s cognitive health and the extent of his involvement in last-minute decisions. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) pledged to continue investigating the matter, calling it a “historic scandal” and promising to seek accountability to prevent similar abuses in the future.
Republican strategist Matt Whitlock echoed the urgency, calling on every Democrat in Washington to be questioned about the autopen use. He emphasized the need for transparency on whether key policy decisions and controversial pardons were made without Biden’s full knowledge.
The New York Times article also revealed internal communications involving Jeff Zients, former White House Chief of Staff, who reportedly confirmed the use of the autopen after presenting Biden with a summarized list of pardon recipients.
President Trump has been vocal about his doubts regarding Biden’s involvement in legislative and executive actions. At a recent press briefing, Trump questioned whether Biden even saw some of the legislation bearing his signature, especially those related to immigration and asylum policies. “We’re gonna start looking into this whole thing with who signed this legislation. Who signed legislation opening our border? I don’t think he knew,” Trump said. He accused “radical left lunatics” of operating the autopen to sign documents in Biden’s name.
Adding to the controversy, former Democratic insider Lindy Li alleged that senior aides like Anthony Bernal, former chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden, wielded disproportionate influence inside the White House. Li accused Bernal of effectively running the administration behind the scenes and evading accountability despite being subpoenaed.
The pardons of prominent figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Liz Cheney have come under particular scrutiny, with critics questioning the legitimacy and motivations behind granting clemency to these controversial individuals.
As Republican investigations deepen, the autopen controversy threatens to overshadow Biden’s legacy and further polarize an already divided political landscape. The Biden administration has yet to provide a detailed public explanation addressing these concerns, setting the stage for intense congressional hearings and public debate.
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